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IL | My opinion is that used industrial grade is better than new hobby grade, but I've got an associates in machine tool so I may be biased. Take someone with you who has worked in a machine shop if buying used. Bring a magnetic base dial indicator set (starrett or brown & sharp not a $35 harbor freight special), a couple parallels (known to be true), and a soft face mallet. Visual checks are all fine and dandy but a dial indicator will give you a better idea of how accurate the machine really is. Dial indicator will show how true things are. Then smack things with a mallet and the dial indicator will show you any slop. If you don't want to crawl under for your visual inspiration, bring a motorcycle mirror and flashlight. You can sink a lot of money into rebuilding a worn out machine and also into tooling. Taiwan is the only Asian country that made quality, I have an old meehanite vertical mill from Taiwan. | |
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Drill press/lathe/mill for farm shop
