Which mill and/or lather to purchase??

[headdog122]

I'm new to machining, but have a good sense of CAD and CNC tooling. I have worked with a friend (machinist) on many projects and would like to make a purchase of a "Turn-Key" CNC Mill and maybe a Lathe to produce some small motorcycle parts (aluminum). "I race motorcycles and wreck alot". I would like to spend around $5000-6500 or less. I'll consider any reasonable option though.

When I say "Turn Key", I would like to be able to plug and play with my current Desktop PC after a software installation (windows based programing). Or I would entertain a self contained, windows based unit.

Thanks in advance....

James Ray.....

[ViperTX]

You'll need to specify what size of envelope you need....x,y,and z dimensions.

[wizard]

As Viper indicated we need more information. One thing is the type of operation planed, by that I mean do you expect to be doing this commercially. Then the types of parts to be buit come into play.

Now with your budget you only have limited opportunites. This would be used machinery, conversion of imports and a few low cost machines available.

Thanks
Dave

[headdog122]

I'll spend in excess of $9500 for a good machine. I am going to produce aluminum parts and sell comercially, but I do not intend on making huge production runs of 100+ parts a week.

Work space: X: 16" Y:12" Z:6" (These are roughly what I'm looking for.)

Thanks again,

Jamie......

[PBMW]

If you are going to make parts commercially then step up an dbuy a VMC with a tool changer and an enclosure...You'll thank your self when you realize how much mor etime you have to talk to customers while the machine runs and you aren't changing tools....
It'll cost you more, but you'll make more
Jim