Recommended Tools and Machinery for Your Team's Machine Shop

[Jason Kixmiller]

I'm not sure as to the size limitations of your machining capabilities, but in starting a team this year with a converted copy room and a $700 total tool budget, here's what we opted for:

1. Delta Shopmaster 9" bandsaw ($99)
2. Delta Shopmaster Table top Drill Press ($99)
3. Delta Shopmaster 2-Wheel Grinder ($59)

All of the Delta products have served us very well so far, and one of the biggest advantages is that we can have all 3 machines creating totally different parts. When considering a combo, I think it is important to note that there is a high potential for a wait-list...everyone waiting to have their part made from the same machine.


Now, assuming that you aren't starting from scratch, is your team held in a high school? With many school districts/states eliminating technology classes, there are often older but still maintained machines that are sitting dormant in another building. A team I was previously a member of got a full vertical mill as well as a lathe for free...we just had to politely ask the principal and then superintendent if there were any machines that could be transferred in. It's always worth a shot, and you might luck out by getting something for free...