End of Year Purchases

[chrisinmd]

Originally Posted by GB330033

chrisinmd: How much skill goes into using a mill/lathe? From what I understand, you really have to know what you're doing. Without any engineering mentors, I doubt that the team members would be able to utilize a mill/lathe the way other teams can. However, if it's not too tough to learn, we might have to look into buying one. Any suggestions on where to get one?

The mill and lathe are very powerful tools that can be used to do lots of things. You do have to know what you're doing, but some internet research or a good book on metalworking should cover the basics of its capabilities, setting up, operation, accessories, etc. It definitely helps to have someone with prior experience to stand over your shoulder, in my team's case, it was my friend who has a mill at home. Is there any machine shops around? They might be willing to send someone over to get you started. I'm pretty sure we got our mill/lathe from Harbor Freight, decent price, average quality, but all the accessories (mill bits, mill clamp, chucks, cutters, etc.) were donated by a machine shop, and they make all the difference in our work. Hopefully someone else will jump in here with specific reccomendations on where to buy, etc.)

Best of luck,
-Chris