Home Machine Shops

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papermaker

Well-known member
I was looking at some of the pictures of Cub House Shops and was very impressed. I have been trying to set up a home machine shop in my garage as a retirement project.Looking for photos of other shops to get some ideas for tool storage and what everyone has for equipment.
Already have an engine lathe, metal band saw and a small drill press. We have a store nearby that resells tools and specializes in machinist tools. Got some great tools at a fraction of what new cost!
My next purchase will be a milling machine(Bridgeport) if I can find one thats not all worn out at a reasonable price.
 
For a Bridgeport you'll need a phase converter won't you? Haven't seen any single phase motors on one before. The old Index I have, I bought because it has a single phase motor on it.
 
Jeff,I'm trying to get things running here! Still dealing with the disability insurance company !

Rick< You are correct that they are 3 phase power so a convertor would be needed. I'm kind of torn between a newer imported knee mill (Grizzly) which I believe is single phase 230v for more money or a used bridgeport with a phase convertor for less money.

Not going to do to much until i get my legs back under me! Going to another cardiologist on Tuesday to see if anything can be done to relieve the constant chest pain.
My current heart specialist doesnt see any reason that I should be having chest pain. 85% plugged coronary artery shouldnt be a problem.

Anyway hope everyone has a Happy and safe New Year!
 
I have a 3 phase Bridgeport and run it with a phase convertor with no problems, it gathers no dust in my shop, you cannot compare the quality of old american iron to the cheap imports
Tim
 
I agree with that statement! Can't beat a Bridgeport. People that have them dont usually part with them until they die! The owner not the Bridgeport
 
I doubly agree with you guys
i have a bridgeport run on a rotary phase converter and am very happy with it
It has done many projects for cubs
BTW I'm considering having mine buried with me (LOL)
Howard
 
I have been taking notes on shops from everyone also. I know one thing, Bridgeport mills are getting tough to find around here. I have been looking for one for the metals shop at school for 3 yrs now. Have had no luck. Can't afford a new one. I have used one before and loved it. It would be a great addition to any shop. I hope to be getting our first house this spring/summer so I can get started on that all important work shop.
 
Company I worked for sold a Bridgeport for $1000 to another employee before I got the word. Oh well. I saw some on EBay a while back. I suppose most of them go to China and are used to make cheap copies of the real deal. Anyway, yes, a mill is as valuable as a lathe, if you want to make things yourself and not farm it out. Get an air compressor too....a big one. Bead blaster, welders (aceteylene and stick), and hydraulic press. That should just about do it.
 
I"ve got a pretty good start on getting the shop equipped. Jet metal bandsaw, drill press ,MIG welder,torches,welding table and a nice work bench.Oh yeah the old lathe that I got cheap. I also picked up a nice Kennedy tool chest. We have a store nearby that buys and resells machinist tools. They resell at a very reasonable price.I picked 4 Kennedy machinist tool boxes at a fraction of what 1 new box would cost. You get really nice name brand tools at 1/10 the coat of new. My favorite place to shop.
I love my shop!
 
I love my shop too. I wish I had made it a bit larger....it's 900 sf. It also has cable TV, phone and internet. No couch or recliner...it's all business. Wife says I spend more time in there than in the house.....she's right.
 
My wife says the same thing ! No TV. No internet.No recliner. Just the radio and scanner. If I had a bathroom out there I'd have no reason to go inside.
 
I have been to lots of auctions and have seen fairly nice bridgeports go for less than $500. Just depends who shows up. I run a tool and die shop and get fliers from auction houses every week. Myron Bowling has some good auctions as well as many others. Just go on line and look.
 
Paper Maker
Look for school auctions. ESpecially if it was an old highschool with a full shop. I just missed one last weekend.But By all accounts the bidder line to get a number went clear around the building.Problem was I was not looking and missed it. I would love to have a small lathe and a bridgeport. I was a insturment maker(same as aTool and Die maker) at Bendix Corp in the 60's and loved the job,just not the being cooped up inside,Farmboy ya know.
 
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