Smithy combo machines

[boilerman79]

What do you guys think of the Smithy machines.Not the knockoffs but the REAL Smithys.I am looking at getting either a combo machine or maybe a smaller lathe and a regular mill/drill machine.Was looking at the Grizzley catalog at there machines.Are the combo machines from Grizzley good quality?Thanks

[Sberry]

I have seen them working and for non crucial work I would think they would be handy. They take up limited space too. I know the purists dont much care for them but I think they would have their place. I have a bud manufacturing some tractor stuff and he says his paid for itself in short order. I was going to get one but my neighbor just got some machine tools and for as often as I need it there is no point now, run down there only a mile away and I dont have to buy anything. ha

[boilerman79]

I like the idea of saving some space and they look like they are well built machines.I take it they are made in the U.S. ?And it would be a lot easier to get parts for them.I dont need a lathe very often ,would use they mill/drill a lot.but the lathe option would be nice.thanks

[muddstopper]

Smithy machines are made in mainland china. Same goes for the Grizzley. I talked to them today but am going to wait for the info pack before I make a decision. Sure would be nice to see one in action before I buy. I was thinking about the mizer 1220 but am now considering the 1239. I like the extra long milling arm?? Looks like it would be more convient. Their Granite series is CNC upgradeable for about $3600 extra. Dont think I have a need for that tho.

[Ries]

If you go over to the chaski board, there is a whole discussion group just about these machines. Most real machinists prefer a stand alone mill and lathe, but a lot of hobby guys get good work out these combos.
http://www.chaski.com/ubb/ubbthreads.php?Cat=

then go to
3 in 1 metalworking machines, read the old posts, or ask your questions.

[TITANIUM]

I have read that the smithy machines are OK. The downside is that they have a round pole the the mill is supported on. This pole is not strong enough to do accurate milling, but the lathe is great. I was looking at them too for the past 4-5 months and did hours of reasearch before I made my final decision to pass on them. Also the shipping them is expensive.

[Supercharged S10]

i have a Smithy. its ok. but it needs a good bit of work to make it worth a damn. some of the machining was totaly laughable. but a file and sandpaper made it good for .001.

price and space was a real issue. and this as the only machine i knew of at the time.