Hi all
I am looking at purchasing a Mill and Lathe for personal and Business use. I service machinery so Mill and Lathe work is not my core business, will only be used every now and then for business.
I am after anyone’s advice on the following mills & lathes or please suggest a different one for me to look at.

Materials I will be mainly using

Stainless Steel (Need to mill now)
Mild steel
Bisalloy (Rarely used)
Brass
Various plastics

I may use some other materials but this will cover the range I would use now.

Equipment I am looking at.

Mill

HM-45
http://www.machineryhouse.com.au/images/16455.jpeg
HM45 details (http://www.machineryhouse.com.au/Products?stockCode=M143#)

SX3
http://www.machineryhouse.com.au/images/16470.jpeg
SX3 Details (http://www.machineryhouse.com.au/Products?stockCode=M155#)

Lathe

AL-60
http://www.machineryhouse.com.au/images/15034.jpeg
AL-60 Details (http://www.machineryhouse.com.au/Products?stockCode=L148#)

AL-320G
http://www.machineryhouse.com.au/images/15052.jpeg
AL-320G Details (http://www.machineryhouse.com.au/Products?stockCode=L141#)

AL-300
Sorry couldn’t find a link
Main differences compared to the AL-320 are

1.5Hp motor
Quick change feed gearbox
Threaded spindle nose
Better metric & imperial threading range

(Hafco don’t sell this one anymore.)

My thoughts are to purchase the HM-45 Mill and the AL-320G
Reasons are
The HM-45 seems to be the best choice before getting into the knee mill range. Knee mills are too big for now. I don’t have the space.

The AL-320G Lathe as it seems to be a better choice for what is available. I think I would prefer the AL-300 (even though it was $700 more in 2006 HAFCO catalog)
But I don’t know where I could see one to compare or purchase from as HAFCO don't sell them anymore.

I can’t go bigger in size for the Lathe do to space issues. There for 600mm between centres is max. I could get a way with 300mm between centres if I wanted to, but I don’t think that would be wise choice for me.

Please let me know what you think, known issues with any of the models or If there is another model you think I should look at.

Including suppliers in South Australia of mills and lathes, I only know of Melb suppliers.

Thanks
AJ

If I needed a mill or lathe to use on occasion I would look for good used equipment in or around your area.

Do yourself a favor if you can (not sure of your market size or depth,)
find a used Bridgeport, Lagun, ProMax (Taiwan,) Acer, or Kent (UK Made) Mill. it will make your life much easier in Stainless. Lathes: Mori Seki, Hardindge, Clausing, Cadillac, Victor (Engine Lathe Only).

If you have access to buy these used I would put hem over the newer lighter duty machines you are considering, for ease of use and years of dependable service.

Hi Palerider
Thanks for your reply
Unfortunately the Australian market is small for second hand mills and lathes and with what I know anyone that has the equipment you listed keeps it, rare to see one on the market.

I would love to have a Bridgeport but the ones I have seen are 3phase, I only have access to singe phase power. I don't want to be modifying it.

I also have a space issue, most of those mills are to tall for the garage and the weight is an issue for moving them ( I rent so moving house is very possible.)

The other one is the price
With ones I have seen the price is out of my market, maybe one day I will be able to purchase one and set up a very good workshop.

AJ

Seems like maybe a business could be made of importing metalworking machines
to you shores. Lots of sites selling used equipment, not sure about the shipping though. No 3 Phase? Rotary phase converter works fine for the class of equipment you're looking towards.