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Unread 07-12-2013, 19:08
Ian Curtis Ian Curtis is offline
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Re: Tool Suggestions

Quote:
Originally Posted by geomapguy View Post
So we're currently getting ready for the upcoming build season. What tools should we try to get with a budget of around $400.

Tools we have in our shop:
14" metal cutoff saw
Bench top drill press
Other basic hand tools

We have limited access to:
Mill
Lathe
Bandsaw

Does anyone know of a mini mill for aluminum that's in our price range? Or maybe a similar metal cutting tool that can handle side loads?

-Graham
You could find a mini-mill on craigslist in that vicinity, but it will need some elbow grease to get it running and you'll have to wait for the right one to show up because there are lot more garbage mill/drills than decent ones. If you have a drill press I think a tabletop lathe is more useful and you can definitely get a decent tabletop lathe for $400 on Craigslist. I would stay away from precision tools from HF -- when buying new you generally get what you pay for.
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