Has anyone looked at the "JET" or "Shop Fox" manual machines?

[boosted]

Just wondering cause I was looking at getting one and then converting to CNC...
link of the general machine
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...1836&rd=1&rd=1
or
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...4779&rd=1&rd=1

[tobyaxis]

Stay away from JET Machines. They are made with the same quality specs as ENCO, but just cost more $$$.

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRHM?KNC-DV6174368836

[boosted]

Originally Posted by tobyaxis Stay away from JET Machines. They are made with the same quality specs as ENCO, but just cost more $$$. http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRHM?KNC-DV6174368836

Thanks I have never even heard of Enco...
I am not really looking for top quality right out of the gate, but good enough to use for right now while getting started and building capital for bigger/better...

[DocHod]

Mill or Lathe , I have not had any problems with my jet lathe keeping in mind I use it in my home shop and yes it has seen some abuse I have been in the machining profession for 20 + years and it seems to me that as always people blame the machine and not the person operating it , as for the second part of your question I can't help you , but were there is a will there is a way.

[moulin]

try this:
http://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net/showthread.php?t=19552
or this:
http://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net/showthread.php?t=15653

[40fordcoupe]

I have a Jet Gear Head 13 inch lathe and I'm very satisfied. I choose Jet because of their reputation for service and support. Cheaper versions of the "same" lathe might not have the same level of precision. i.e. TIR and bed flatness etc. Also I bought my machine through Production Tool Supply they have always given me outstanding service. They have fixed problems with no quesrions asked.

[boosted]

Originally Posted by DocHod Mill or Lathe , I have not had any problems with my jet lathe keeping in mind I use it in my home shop and yes it has seen some abuse I have been in the machining profession for 20 + years and it seems to me that as always people blame the machine and not the person operating it , as for the second part of your question I can't help you , but were there is a will there is a way.

Sorry I should have clarified I was looking at Mills right now, but lathes are not far behind (hopefully).

I am basically looking at starting a full fab shop. That with a good mill and lathe be able to make any other machine and tooling that I might need.

[tobyaxis]

Try these places. You may find what you need.
http://www.usshoptools.com/
http://www.sagmachinery.com/
http://www.penntoolco.com/main.cfm
http://www1.mscdirect.com/cgi/nnsrhm
http://www.hardingeus.com/?
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRHM?KNC-DV6174368836

Cheers!!!!

[DonRD]

Take a look at the Grizzly G3103 same thing as Shop Fox but for less money.

http://www.grizzly.com/products/G3103

[geh1]

This is not a bad gear drive benchtop mill. I recently converted mine to 4 axis cnc. I did some minor changes to improve accuracy to a satisfactory level without a ball screw conversion. The price is right
http://http://www.wttool.com/product...n_Swivel_Table

[boosted]

Originally Posted by geh1 This is not a bad gear drive benchtop mill. I recently converted mine to 4 axis cnc. I did some minor changes to improve accuracy to a satisfactory level without a ball screw conversion. The price is right http://http://www.wttool.com/product...n_Swivel_Table

Actually I really like that one.
One of the main things I like is the geared head, instead of belts.

Would you mind telling me some og the things you did to tighen it up? I will probably be ordering this one within 3 weeks.

[geh1]

Hey Boosted. the primary problem, "and not a big one to fix" with this machine is that there is no preload on the bearings that locate the drive screws to the table. The collars are simply pinned to the shaft. You can simply remove the pins and place a bolt in the end of the shaft 'wich is pre drilled and tapped already' with a pressure washer to give the desired preload. I went from .012 to .0025 backlash with this simple fix. Be advised that the bearings are not designed for extreme force and in the future should be replaced with a good angle bearing block assembel but this will get you started with a a fairly close tolerance machine at a fraction of the cost. Good enough to make something better with. -G-