[thejoe]

Hello,

I'm new to machine milling and lathes. I want to setup a small shop in my garage. I'm looking at getting a mico or mini (is there a difference) Mill machine and lathe?

I think I'm going to go the manual route first and then later if my needs grow I'll go the CNC route. Right now this is the system I'm looking at for a mill and lathe.

http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares...oduct&ID=82573

http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares...oduct&ID=82710

I'm wondering what you folks think, do you recommend another system for learning and making items on the small side?

A few other questions I had was I noticed that some machines have different kinds of spindle taperm like either a #3 Morse Taper or R8 Taper. I one recommended over the other?

I also noticed that some machines have X & Y axis dials the turn in increments of .0625" a turn and others turn at .050" a turn. Again is one recommended over the other?

Thanks,

thejoe

[DieGuy]

They are both Chinese manufacture and are good machines to start and learn on.

[moto21]

Go with a mini mill. The micro mill has a very short table travel.
Cummins tools has both of these for cheaper
R8 is usally better for the fact that the tooling (collets, drill chucks, face mill, etc . . .) is more avalible and seems to be cheaper. But first off make sure these size machines are going to work for what you want to do.

[thejoe]

Hello again,

Since I have never done machine milling and lathe work and I non of my friends know how to do machine milling and lathe work to teach me, I’m basically jumping in head and feet first.

I’m doing allot of reading and searching on the Internet etc. I came across these machines and wondering what you folks think. Do you think one of these systems would be better to start off with to learn machine milling and lathe work then the china models?

http://www.sherline.com/

http://www.taigtools.com/

Also is there other websites, or forums that you recommend beginners use to learn. I am also wondering what books or videos you’d recommend for beginners that are starting to learn?

Thanks again,

thejoe

[ViperTX]

Taig are good starter tools.

[moto21]

Taig are good tools. Sherline are also good but there a smaller mill and limit the size of the work done. Also buy Tabletop Machining and Home Machinists Handbook . These are very good books for learning and teach you the basics and more