Smithy questions (3-in-1 machines, not mufflers)

[Deuce Rails]

I really like the idea of a 3-in-1 milling-drilling-lathe machine.

I got a catalog and some other stuff from Smithy. Their stuff sounds good, and their prices are certainly reasonable. Does anyone have any experience with these things? Or, would you recommend anything else instead?

Thanks in advance,

Matt

[Turbo26T]

Try this link. http://www.chaski.com/ubb/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=3in1. Go to "Search" Most 3-in- ones have their good/bad points. Seems that most problems are with accuracy ,setup, and spare parts. FWTW $0.02 Stan

[Unkl Ian]

Reminds me of the Shopsmith woodworking machines.

Great if you live in a Phone Booth,and space is more valuable than time.

[zman]

I've worked in a few m/c shops that had them and the work pretty good. Got a buddy with one that loves it. The biggest drawback seems to be the size. What exactly do you want one for? It may make a difference.

[Deuce Rails]

Thanks for the replies, guys.

Thanks for the link, Stan. I took a look around that site, and there seem to be some conflicting opinions.

Zman, I think I'll be machining mostly smaller pieces, and I don't think that the work area will be much of an issue. Although after looking through the site that Stan posted, it seems like the actual area is smaller than Smithy would lead you to believe.

Unkl, my space is very limited. But why does a 3-in-1 take more time to use? I was thinking that it would be a little more functional, as in being able to turn a piece on the lathe while you milled, say, threads as the piece rotated. (Is this right, or is my perception of a 3-in-1 way off???)

Thanks again,

--Matt

[burndup]

The 3-in-1 machines are no where near as accurate or precise as 3 cheap individual machines...

[JOECOOL]

For most stuff they will work great. I find that the people who complain about accuracy most of the time would not be any more accurate on a High $ machine. I don't think you would ever get one to multifuntion as you state,cutting threads and tuning at the same time as I always cut threads with the lathe bit anyway.