Thread: General Purpose Mill/Drill/Lathe Recommendations?
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Unread 07-08-2010, 22:12
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AKA: Mike Anderson
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General Purpose Mill/Drill/Lathe Recommendations?
Greetings!

OK, so I'm trying to determine what type of machine(s) can do the best job for working with metal (in particular aluminum). I'm curious about the combination mill/drill/lathe devices like the Bolton or Shop Fox machines. But, I'm new to the machinist skill set (being a software guy myself), hence the question. If you were going to equip an FRC team with device(s) that could handle most tasks needed to build a robot, what machine(s) would you buy?

I've seen CAM plasma cutters (x/y flat-bed cutter), band saws, drill presses, water jet cutters, etc. But, what would you suggest to have a fairly well equipped shop? Let's say there was a budget of $10-15K. Unfortunately, space is an issue. Think a typical garage and you've just about got the right size.

TIA,

Mike