Is lathe milling attachment worth making

GoceKU

GoceKU

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I have only a lathe very heavy duty lathe, i've seen couple pictures of lathe milling attachment but don't know is this a useful tool, can i get any accuracy with this attachment ?
 
I have a very small lathe, atlas 10" and I had a milling attachment I used quite a few times until I got my mill. On a larger lathe a milling attachment would be even more useful.
 
My lathe has some wear, i don't need to do lots of milling, i'll need it most for cutting key ways or milling short slots, will it break milling cutters because of the wear?
 
When I had room only for a Taig lathe in military housing over seas, the milling attachment was all I had room for and I used it. A dedicated mill works much better if space and finances are available.
 
If you want an absolutely inspiring and magnificent example of how useful a milling attachment can be, check out some of Savarin's posts and threads. Here's the best:
http://www.hobby-machinist.com/threads/80mm-long-focal-length-refractor.26212/

... and here's one in which he describes how he made the slide:
http://www.hobby-machinist.com/threads/a-vertical-slide-for-a-9x20-lathe.49724/

I just can't say enough about how I admire the kind of work he's been able to do with just his 9x20 lathe and this "attachment."
 
On my 12x36 lathe it has been very useful. I recommend a milling attachment.
 
i had a milling attachment for my 10" atlas.
my attachment was useful for relatively small work.
a worthy amendment to the arsenal if you don't already have a milling machine :)

+1 on Savarin's work, he does top notch work with his set up.
we'd all be proud to have done what he has accomplished.:grin:
 
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