GA AH,

A used quality tool is usually far better than a new cheap one and will usually wind up being cheaper in the long or even short run.

Assuming You can/will import from anywhere:

Assuming You know exactly what you want the machines to perform

Assuming you wish to get machines Circa 1970--1980( not 1900--1920 design)

Suggest you look up www.surplusrecord.com

or if you want to pick bargains--then www.asset-auctions.com

There are many all over Europe.

Want those?

mm

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• Deckel Maho
• Okuma
• Mazak

Expensive, very.

Machine problem, maybe never.

For milling, economic option is to buy an used planing machine, which should be available for about Rs 150,000 (US$ 3,500) and get it converted into a plano miller, which may cost almost the same amount.

1000x400x500 milling machines, apart from being expensive, difficult to operate. These are huge machines and table of this size machine is at a height. T slots on the table are also awkward for job clamping. Weighty jobs certainly need handling facility for mounting because of the height. The 3 axes feed mechanism is intricate and maintenance-prone.

A converted plano miller is not only less expensive, but also less maintenance prone. Because of it's low height and convenient T slots on the table, job handling and clamping are easier.

Planers are larger in size compared to milling machine. In fact, a converted plano miller makes it possible to mill large jobs which are not possible to do with milling machine.

If you need more information, please get in touch with me on shenoyap@gmail.com

I AM SELLING MY CNC MACHINING CENTER FADAL 40-20-28" WITH 4º AXE, RUNNINH NICE ON POWER, US$25,000,

For used industrial equipment try:

http://www.hgrindustrialsurplus.com/

Without knowing what you want to do with the machine it is completely impossible to advise you intelligently.

I can tell you this. If you want a lathe for maintenance or very short runs, plan on spending almost as much on tooling as you spend on the lathe. I have seen many people buy a new or expensive machine and then their machinists have to spend more time finding and making tools to do the job than they do the actual machining. Example: I have worked in dozens of shops and have yet to see one with a decent set of boring bars. Much time wasted.

If you buy used, and the three jaw chuck is worn out, throw it away and get a new one. Shoot the first operator who uses a "cheater bar" on it. Three jaw chucks are like marriage. There is nothing like a good one and nothing like a bad one.

When turning long shafts use the four jaw and grip the shaft on the first 1/4 inch of it's diameter. Three jaws aren't strong enough to do this safely without pushing the work back and if you insert the shaft all the way into the chuck it will bend the shaft. The shaft will be straight until you take it out of the machine.

If you can avoid it, don't use roller type steady rests. They are bad for getting chips caught under them and pressing them into the work. Lubricate brass tips with a mixture of 1/2 motor oil and 1/2 STP oil additive. Same for dead centers.

If you intend to turn long shafts with smaller diameters you will need a follower rest.

Under no circumstances buy a small Clausing Colchester lathe. I wouldn't give one floor space.

The surest sign of a heavier duty lathe is if it has three bearings in the headstock instead of two.

If you can turn a piece about a foot long (not using a center) and mike it close to the chuck and on the other end. If there is a big difference the ways are badly worn.

Mills are tricky. Crank the table to the center and shake it hard. See how much play you have. Crank it out to near the end of travel. If it tries to freeze up then the table ways are worn out. Spindles are very expensive to rebuild and the bearings are very expensive.

See how much rotary play there is in the table screw. If there is a turn or more the nut is worn out and maybe even the screw. The same for crossslides and compounds on lathes. Brands do not neccessarily mean anything, especially in the case of Le Blond. They made some good stuff and they made some junk.

I don't know what your financial situation is but I personally had rather buy a Monarch, an American or other such brand and have it rebuilt than buy some of the light duty stuff that shakes like a dog releiving himself of a peach seed.