Re: Advanced tools in the workshop (Mill, Lathe, Welder etc.)
 

If you are looking into investing into a lathe we (675) have a Grizzly Lathe, and we are always having problems with it, probably because it is low-end and made in China. It seems as if it is broken and needing to be fixed every other month or so. I would recommend getting a lathe because of the advantages of having one, but I would get one from a different brand.

Re: Advanced tools in the workshop (Mill, Lathe, Welder etc.)
 

For a TIG welder, an inverter-based unit would be more portable and you can get by with a bit less amperage. 200-250 Amp class is nice but they get expensive. We picked up an older Syncrowave 250 for $850. but it's a real power hog and weighs nearly 400 pounds.

Here's a TIG amperage calculator: http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...calculator.php

Here's a TIG unit that is simple to operate. Hobart has an equivalent. http://www.millerwelds.com/products/tig/diversion_165/

This is a great unit, but over twice the price: http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...ty_200_series/

This welder is prices somewhere between the two. It may be available in other countries since it is a rebadged unit from Japan.

https://www.mythermadyne.com/thc/en/...tProductDetail

I'm surprised to hear of the Grizzly lathe breaking all the time. I know they aren't top-notch, but that just doesn't sound right.

Re: Advanced tools in the workshop (Mill, Lathe, Welder etc.)
 

As a rookie mentor and skilled machinist, I have been frustrated by the lack of a lathe and the sad excuse for a mill (no auto-feed on any axis) in our school's shop. Fortunately, we were just offered a 14" swing lathe as a donation. A few suggestions for setting up lathes, mills, and other rotating metal cutting machinery (if budget can handle them):
1) Get variable speed drives - most unskilled students will not deal with pulley swapping speed adjustments.
2) Lathes must have quick change tooling - preset tools are almost essential for unskilled H.S students to be minimally productive.
3) Don't skimp on tooling - our basic mill is rarely used because the vice is always being removed to use on a nearby drill press, and students consider that it's too much work to swap back. A full compliment of dedicated tooling, readily accessible, is essential for for making good use of any advanced machine tool.
4) Teach the science of metal cutting - understanding the basic principles of metal cutting should be a prerequisite for students to use the more advanced machines. Things like determining proper cutting speed for different materials should be understood before equipment access is granted.

-Dick Ledford

Re: Advanced tools in the workshop (Mill, Lathe, Welder etc.)
 

I am a machinist on my team, and I would like to put my input in on what the most valuable tools are and what is used the most:

1. Manual Mill- Allows for accurate parts to be made, which is vital in competition.
2. Belt Sander- Keeps manufactured parts safe!
3. Lathe- Crucial for a custom and reliable drive system.
4. Bandsaw- Makes for quick raw material manufacturing.