Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Retrofits

In a message dated 19-Sep-00 13:01:28 Central Daylight Time,
psp@... writes:

<< I know I'd sure like to hear a little discussion of pros/cons of
particular machines for home shop CNC use. >>

Phil: I'd guess an important aspect of this discussion would be the amount
of $$ the po' ol' boy a-workin' out in his backyard shop as to play-with,
that the wife will ALLOW. Assuming he's got a (rich or) understanding wife
and, say, $10,000 or $15,000 to spend on "shop machines", for MY money,
YCI-Supermax is a good deal! I got a 9x49 "Bridgeport" by YCI-Supermax with
collet-set and large vise, oh, and clamp-set for $5500 from a TX YCI dealer.
A same-make 1340 lathe with 3 and 4-jaw chucks, collet-closer, and all 5C
collets from 1/8" to 1.125 (or whatever that largest one is, that I have
never used, so, don't even know what's on the rack!) for $5500, too. That
was '85. Since, I have gotten Iscar tooling, $lotsa end-mills, etc., and I
have used it all (I only buy it when a job dictates I need it).

However, though certanly NOT a "professional machinist", I DO do things
"professionally"; that word only means I get MONEY for what I do! Not the
"quality" of it, though I will NOT do anything I can't do RIGHT and "pretty"
and reliably. I have a little 600 sq.ft. shop (AC!) behind the garage
(shares the rear wall thereof, and is "structurally" an integral part of
whole "garage building" out behind the house. Not a "free-standing" shack.).


But if one only wants to "tinker", a 7x10 should be adequate! And a
"drill-mill", although I have NO clue who (if anyone!) builds a "decent" one
of those!

Best to rattle some doors where some retired "good ol' boy" machinists live,
and ASK, face-to-face! Some will strive to remain kind. Generally, a
perceptive person can tell when it's time to say, "G'day, thank you!" and
make tracks!

Wot? Jan Rowland, Heinous and Unsavory Rapscallion