I'm a noob, with only high school level machining classes. I would really like to pick up a lathe, but the more I think about it, the more I think of things that a mill is really the right tool for. I have been considering a Midas machine, probably the 1230LTD. The longer lathe bed I could see using. I would want to add a QCTP and DRO to it to start with. I would likely need to pick up a follow and steady rest as well, as I have some projects in mind that they would be handy for.
For comparison, the Lathe I am considering is the PM 1030V. It comes with more lathe tooling, which is a plus for me, but obviously the Smithy includes a mill and a slightly larger swing. The biggest workpiece I see using anytime soon would be about 6" diameter though, and that would be rarely done, and likely in aluminum. Honestly, I see myself mostly working with aluminum, brass and a little mild steel. Maybe some plastics when 3D printing is not the right tool for the job.
Space isn't a huge issue, but budget is. I would like to stick to about $3k. I would like to get the most for my money, obviously, but I also want to make sure what I get is usable. I like that the Smithy can rotate the mill head out of the way, so I can use the lathe without interference. That seems like a big complaint people have about combo machines. This would also be a nice upgrade from my el-cheapo benchtop drill press, which is pretty crappy.
Use is strictly hobby. I guess I might consider odd jobs at some point, but I'm not really interested in making a business out of it. I'm fine with it being somewhat annoying to switch between lathe/mill/drill modes. I also don't need the very best accuracy, but I would like to have the machine be able to do a few thou with a decent operator, which I hope to become eventually. To start with, I'd be pretty happy to consistently manage 10 thou. I know tooling will add up fast, but I expect to pick things up a little at a time. Perhaps picking up a basic set to start with, and some HSS blanks. And probably a better wheel for my HF grinder so I can shape them with at least some accuracy. Though the grinder might need some upgrades/replacement as well....
Used market here is iffy, almost going for new prices for pretty beat up gear. As I have no other machine tools, fabricating parts would not be possible, and replacements might be difficult/expensive to source. I think it might be fun to try restoring an old iron machine sometime once I get some skill and practice though.
Both machines have power feeds, though the mill Z on the Smithy looks to be manual, I can live with that.
Lathe work areas are similar, though the PM lathe comes with more lathe specific accessories.
Accuracy/capability? Not sure.
Neither has DRO, but I can add one for a reasonable price.
PM comes with QCTP out of the box, nice.
PM doesn't look to use change gears, nice to have.
Both are 110V. I have 220 single phase available as well.
Are there other things I should consider? Pros/Cons of either direction are welcome, please keep in mind the intended use. I'm not a professional machinist, I'm a hobbyist. I'd love to be able to buy a nice new Southbend and Bridgeport, but that's not in the cards.
I am willing to stick to the standalone lathe if it is a much better choice for my uses though. I see myself using a lathe more frequently than a mill, but if I only had a lathe, I see myself trying to use it as a horizontal mill as well, which is obviously not ideal either.
