Newsgroups: comp.robotics
Subject: Small lathe/milling mach
From: andrew.jenkins@pcohio.com (Andrew Jenkins)
Path: brunix!news.Brown.EDU!agate!usenet.ins.cwru.edu!wariat.org!pcohio!andrew.jenkins
Distribution: world
Message-ID: <24.5328.2500.0NB2E8FD@pcohio.com>
Date: Sat, 16 Apr 94 08:38:00 -0500
Organization: PC-OHIO PCBOARD - Cleveland, OH - 216-381-3320
Lines: 38

<Quoting JAA101@GORTON.ANU.EDU.AU>

JA>Sorry if this isn't the appropriate group but I couldn't see a better
JA>one so here goes.  I'm looking at buying a small lathe/milling machine
JA>combination for doing some metalwork for small robots.  I've used
JA>lathes and mills a little in the past for simple work but I have only
JA>some basic high school training from years ago.  Mostly I don't know
JA>the terminology when trying to talk with salesmen or read brochures.

JA>Can anyone provide any pointers to what my best approach might be?  I
JA>don't need incredible precision but I'd like to be able to do a wide
JA>range of jobs.  Are the small bench lathe/mills combinations reasonable
JA>machines to look at?  My concerns are mainly that, after laying out my
JA>money, I might find that they are too limited and/or unreliable.

From your internet address, I gather that you work at a University, yes?
Well, then you probably have access to some pretty good machinists on 
campus, if your University has a machine shop.

I suggest that you ask for help from one of these guys.
There are several reasons that come to mind.

1. Machinists in a university environment usually have a great deal of 
patience (at least the ones I've met). Hence they're more willing to answer 
questions.

2. It's ALWAYS good to make friends with a Machinist. Aside from everything 
they can teach you, their skills are VERY nice to have available, when one 
needs that "impossible" part made.

3. Most important. These guys KNOW tools.

Regards,

aj

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