New Forum for 3 in 1 machines

Thanks folks, I have enough space and I have the funds to pay for both but I do not think I would use them on a regular basis. I really do woodworking and only would use the machine or machines to make repairs to other equipment. I do not envision doing projects on them like I do on my CNC router. That said, when I need to make something out of metal, I need to do it now. This is a situation only I can figure out but I sure am open to everyone's opinion. I do not want to have any regrets.
 
Thanks folks, I have enough space and I have the funds to pay for both but I do not think I would use them on a regular basis. I really do woodworking and only would use the machine or machines to make repairs to other equipment. I do not envision doing projects on them like I do on my CNC router. That said, when I need to make something out of metal, I need to do it now. This is a situation only I can figure out but I sure am open to everyone's opinion. I do not want to have any regrets.

Occasional use or not, do you have any idea what the biggest job you are likely to ever want to do, will that fit on the 3 in 1, now make that job 50% bigger will it still fit on the 3 in 1, if so then go for it, if Not I'd do some serious thinking. There is nothing worse than after having spent your money finding it won't do the job.

My standard advice has always been and still is. The biggest (within reason) that will fit the available space, and the best that you can afford. properly looked after they will not deteriorate in between use, keep them well oiled and covered, just an old sheet for a dust cover is all you need.
 
For what it's worth, I've been pretty satisfied with my 3-in-1 from Enco. There will always be a bigger, better option than the one we choose, but one has to draw the line somewhere. Have you got access to a bigger machine or know someone who does for the once-in-blue-moon time you need to make something bigger or more accurately or harder material, etc., than the 3-in1 can handle? That would cinch it for me.
 
Now this is excellent advice! I was ready to order the Smithy yesterday and then someone posted about the ShopMaster Patriot. I need to find out what these are about? Honestly, I do not know which way to go at this point. I put aside about $7K aside for the allocation and I already know the Smithy all in is going to be about $5500 - 6,000. I also know two PM machines, lathe & mill will be about $7K. Then I would also eventually like to get a laser engraver. Two machines and a laser engraver will not fit in the room.

I would like to make a decision by next week so I can just get on with it. Thanks for all the input, it is great to get other people's opinion and advice.
 
I have no experience with 3-in-1 machines so I always avoid offering opinions about them. But if you really need the laser engraving machine and if three machines really won't fit in the available space, then I think that answers your question of what to buy.
 
Thanks for the input. I am trying to figure out what laser engraver to purchase to see it it can go in my basement. That will help make the decision easier, maybe.
 
View attachment 125697
I posted this on another 3 in 1 forum and then saw this forum was more appropriate.

I use a Smithy Granite Elite I-Max 1340 3 in 1 in my fabricating shop and think the 3 in 1 is way under-rated and too often laughed off as a toy. These are very capable machines as long as it is realized they are not a 2 ton Bridgeport or large South Bend lathe. The first thing I did when I got mine was take several days to set it up level and then clean, de-burr, lubricate, tram, scrape and tighten everything. Out of the box they are not the most precise equipment that exists for sure, but a little time and work and I have found it to be as good or better then separate machines. I added a 3-axis DRO, a coolant system and am in the planning phase of conversion to ballscrews on X and Y axis. Once the ballscrews are installed and working right I have a full CNC 3 axis system that is going to be installed.

To a lot of people it may seem crazy to put this much time, effort and money into a 3 in 1, but space considerations do not allow separates. The capacity is 13 x 40 which as of yet has not been too small for any fab job. Not going to line bore a V8, but that is not the type of work I do. Part of the reason for doing all this is just because I can and I like to do it, but also when I get done, like most other projects, I have exactly what I want and need for my application and needs. To get the same capabilities would require 3-4 times the money and considerable shop real estate that I don't have.

I could not agree more with another poster who said that a lathe is a lathe and don't think that any idea for a lathe cannot be adapted or used on a 3 in 1. I have seen some very incredible work done on these machines and like any other machine tool once you get used to the way the machine operates it is just as good or better than any of the Myfords, Craftsman, South Bends, or other smaller lathes that I see people own. I have been able to hold 2/10's on some precision work as long as I take my time and go slow and easy.
 
View attachment 125697
I posted this on another 3 in 1 forum and then saw this forum was more appropriate.

I use a Smithy Granite Elite I-Max 1340 3 in 1 in my fabricating shop and think the 3 in 1 is way under-rated and too often laughed off as a toy. These are very capable machines as long as it is realized they are not a 2 ton Bridgeport or large South Bend lathe. The first thing I did when I got mine was take several days to set it up level and then clean, de-burr, lubricate, tram, scrape and tighten everything. Out of the box they are not the most precise equipment that exists for sure, but a little time and work and I have found it to be as good or better then separate machines. I added a 3-axis DRO, a coolant system and am in the planning phase of conversion to ballscrews on X and Y axis. Once the ballscrews are installed and working right I have a full CNC 3 axis system that is going to be installed.

To a lot of people it may seem crazy to put this much time, effort and money into a 3 in 1, but space considerations do not allow separates. The capacity is 13 x 40 which as of yet has not been too small for any fab job. Not going to line bore a V8, but that is not the type of work I do. Part of the reason for doing all this is just because I can and I like to do it, but also when I get done, like most other projects, I have exactly what I want and need for my application and needs. To get the same capabilities would require 3-4 times the money and considerable shop real estate that I don't have.

I could not agree more with another poster who said that a lathe is a lathe and don't think that any idea for a lathe cannot be adapted or used on a 3 in 1. I have seen some very incredible work done on these machines and like any other machine tool once you get used to the way the machine operates it is just as good or better than any of the Myfords, Craftsman, South Bends, or other smaller lathes that I see people own. I have been able to hold 2/10's on some precision work as long as I take my time and go slow and easy.
Dwight202 Do you have any insight on the Smithy I-Max 1340?
 
Bought a Shoptask 1720 XMTC in early 90's, small enough to fit my garage. Learned a lot, would not trade the experience. Have a SB13 and a Rockwell mill now, but during the transition the ShopTask was there to make parts/tools for the SB refurb. Recently gave her to a friend interested in machining. Keep the ways clean and lubed, PRC cast iron is not meehanite.
 
Back
Top