Originally Posted by SWC  That machine does not have a lathe. i will need a lathe to do the work I do. Why do you not like the 3 in 1? Thanks |
Because the 3 in 1 machines generally compromise so much of each function that they are difficult to use.
There is a lot to designing a machine tool, and these things affect how that tool functions and what it can do. Bolting a milling column and head to the side of a lathe will allow you to do more than just a lathe, this much is true, but it will not do the same job as a mill. It does not have the rigidity that a purpose built milling machine has.
Most modern lathes are built only anticipating load being applied through the work to the cutting tool downward into the bed. There is no "up" pull from the tool. Milling machines undergo different loads as the cut progresses. You have to take this into account as well. Using a lathe bed for a milling machine XY base is a poor choice.
Typical 3 in 1's make their compromises for people who want to spend as little as humanly possible to get all the functions. It looks attractive, and for someone who has none of them, it's better than nothing.
If you are serious about this, you'll be better served with separate machines.