- Joined
- Mar 15, 2019
- Messages
- 708
So I decided to get back into machining and decided to look for a lathe and a mill. Started out looking at new machines and everything could afford wouldn't be able to handle the size projects I have in mind. Plus they are all made in China and I'd really rather not contribute to the trade deficit. So I started looking for used machines on facebook marketplace and then branched out to Craigslist.
What I am finding there is that I live in a machinery desert. There are few machines within 100 miles. And that leads to price inflation. I'm talking $2,000 for a Craftsman lathe. But what is really puzzling is there are larger machines in similar shape for half that.
My problem is the larger machines would be too large to shoehorn into my basement even if I could transport them to the house in the first place. Not to mention the parts for older larger machines are in some cases impossible to find new and cost as much as the entire machine used if you can find them. I'm OK with a fixer upper, but it still has to stay within the budget.
The really frustrating part is when I look further away, I see more machines and better prices, but by the time I could get there someone else has shown up with cash and taken it.
I am pulling my hair out and getting discouraged. Tempted to up the budget and buy more than I can afford but I know as soon as I do that, I will see exactly what I am looking for with all the attachments ever made, which is like brand new, only used on Sundays by grandpa who lovingly cared for it and kept it oiled and in tip top shape.
So where else can I look for what I desire? Old American iron, not worn out or left rusting in the back 40 for the last decade, not huge, but not a toy either, something that can move some metal and make some chips, even to make the parts it needs for repairs to get it back into shape again.
What I am finding there is that I live in a machinery desert. There are few machines within 100 miles. And that leads to price inflation. I'm talking $2,000 for a Craftsman lathe. But what is really puzzling is there are larger machines in similar shape for half that.
My problem is the larger machines would be too large to shoehorn into my basement even if I could transport them to the house in the first place. Not to mention the parts for older larger machines are in some cases impossible to find new and cost as much as the entire machine used if you can find them. I'm OK with a fixer upper, but it still has to stay within the budget.
The really frustrating part is when I look further away, I see more machines and better prices, but by the time I could get there someone else has shown up with cash and taken it.
I am pulling my hair out and getting discouraged. Tempted to up the budget and buy more than I can afford but I know as soon as I do that, I will see exactly what I am looking for with all the attachments ever made, which is like brand new, only used on Sundays by grandpa who lovingly cared for it and kept it oiled and in tip top shape.
So where else can I look for what I desire? Old American iron, not worn out or left rusting in the back 40 for the last decade, not huge, but not a toy either, something that can move some metal and make some chips, even to make the parts it needs for repairs to get it back into shape again.