Well the first thing I hope you realize is that it takes more than a lathe and a mill to run a full service machine shop! As to your question it certainly could be done, you might not realize huge profits but that is a issue based on local. The question I have is why would you want to limit yourself in such a manner?
While a lathe might not require automation I can't see a good reason to avoid it on a mill at all. CNC and milling where made for each other. Not that a lathe couldn't use CNC control but a mill that can go both ways is very versatile. Going both ways is a key consideration in my estimation and can be done well on a knee type mill.
Another thing to consider is that without CNC you have to invest in alot of hardware to supplement the milll.
I geuss I just don't understand why the limitation. I'm not even sure it is practical to start a business today without at least some CNC capacity. This of course depends on the work you want to pursue, just realize that others will be pursuing that work also.
Dave
Originally Posted by MBG Can it be done? In this time and day can you run a machine shop just with manual machines? lathe and mill.. maybe a grinder if needed. |