Re:smithy 1700 Shop design...

Well I'm currently enclosing my carport into a garage/shop I'll have
~13'x23' to play in. So as they say size does matter but it's not the main
consideration. I agree seperate tools are best when you have the room.
However I do currently have a shureline, a 6" atlas lathe, full size drill
press, grinder yadda yadda.. all in a 10'x12' space. It's cozy to say the
least.
Since I already have a lathe and drill press I was also considering the
enco mill/drill he has. I don't recall the model # off hand but it's pretty
much the same benchtop model that is on sale right now in the enco
flyer.(pg.4 at the bottom). My intended use is to make robot parts. My
sureline and to a lesser extent the lathe are quickily becomming inadaquate
size wise. The smithy would proably be sufficient for these tasks. However
I called smithy today and they said they don't have the cnc parts anymore.
That said I also worry about other parts availablity. So I'm thinking the
enco would be easier to adapt to cnc. It currently has a power feed for the
x axis. Pretty much everything you see in the flyer. He also has a 12 pice
collett set and some dial indicators to go with it for $1000. I'm leaning
towards going the enco route unless some one make some good reasons against
it.

I will have a 13'x23' space to work in with 2 regular doors about the middle
and the main garage doors which will swing out at one end. I'm planning on
keepintg the wood tools(table saw, chop saw etc..) at one end and the metal
tools at the other. I'm also planning on covering all the walls in 3/4"
plywood to make mounting shelves easy and to help with noise isolation. I
can pretty much do any thing I want with the space. Any ideas suggestions
of things to do or not do would be much appreciated.

Thanks Rob...

>
>Message: 17
> Date: Mon, 23 Sep 2002 15:56:53 -0400
> From: "j.guenther" <j.guenther@...>
>Subject: RE: Smithy 1700 cnc
>
>IMHO not a bad price for a 3-in-1 machine, but most people here will tell
>you separate machines are better. Maybe yes, maybe no, depends on your
>shop
>and what you are going to be making. I would say if you like the machine
>and it fits your needs, shop and wallet then go for it. It is more work to
>switch setups between turning and milling but if you plan your work and the
>steps in your projects you can minimize the setup changes.
>
>John Guenther
>Sterling, Virginia
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Rob Purdy [mailto:kb7wnz@...]
> > Sent: Monday, September 23, 2002 14:05 PM
> > To: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Smithy 1700 cnc
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Greetings all. I've been lurking soaking up info long enough now I
>could
> > use a little direct input. I have the oportunity to aquire a smithy
>1700
> > cnc 3 in one. The current owner is asking 1600$(claims orignal price
>was
> > 2600$). It is not a current model(3-4 years old?) but it is in
> > really new
> > shape. He claims to of only put 3 hours on the machine. He keeps the
>bed
> > heavily greased and machine covered when not in use. The orignal
>factory
> > grind on the bed ways were very appearentevent through the
> > grease. It seems
> > the current equivlent model is the entry level granite machine goes for
> > 2495$. It currently does NOT have the cnc acessorys installed
> > so you can
> > guess what I'm hoping my winter project is going to this year :)
> >
> > Is this a good price for this machine? If so has any one had any
> > experiance
> > with this machine using the the factory cnc or otherwise?
> >
> > Thanks Rob...
> >
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>________________________________________________________________________
>________________________________________________________________________
>
>Message: 18
> Date: Mon, 23 Sep 2002 13:59:29 -0600
> From: "Tim Goldstein" <timg@...>
>Subject: Re: Smithy 1700 cnc
>
>Just as a general 3 in 1 follow up. I agree that dedicated machines are a
>better way to go if possible. But there are lots of times that space and
>cost dictate a 3 in 1 machine. I had a Sherline setup and wanted something
>bigger. Unfortunately I did not have the space for dedicated machines so I
>got a Shoptask. It was a great machine for my needs and fit in the room I
>had. I have since expanded my shop area and got a full sized Bridgeport
>Series II for milling. I still have the Shoptask and use it as a lathe. I
>feel I got my moneys worth and am happy with the machine.
>
>Point is don't be discouraged by others that tell you dedicated machines
>are
>the only way to go. If you situation dictates a 3 in 1 get it and enjoy. It
>is a darn site better than not having a machine at all.
>
>Tim
>[Denver, CO]
>
>----- Original Message -----
> > IMHO not a bad price for a 3-in-1 machine, but most people here will
>tell
> > you separate machines are better. Maybe yes, maybe no, depends on your
>shop
> > and what you are going to be making. I would say if you like the
>machine
> > and it fits your needs, shop and wallet then go for it. It is more work
>to
> > switch setups between turning and milling but if you plan your work and
>the
> > steps in your projects you can minimize the setup changes.
> >
> > John Guenther
> > Sterling, Virginia
>
>
>
>

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