Taking a machinist class | Construction and DIY projects | Forums

So been taking the machining class the last couple weeks and have been having a blast with it, the first two weeks was all theoretical classroom work and last night we started cutting some chips.

Hey I made square aluminum!

We are going to be finishing them off next week into some V blocks for the milling vices 

This class has been really pushing me to find a machine for myself, I would really like a separate lathe and mill but for price, space and just starting out I think a 3 in 1 would be ideal.

So I came across this 12x20 smithy

Guy has had it for about 20 years and says he has about 100 hours on it, he's asking 2000 dollars obro. Which is a little high considering you can buy a new one for 1700 but this also comes with it.

I asked my instructor last night what were his thoughts on it and he said just based off the pictures that is well worth it, I would try and get it for cheaper but even at 2000 the craftsman box and tooling is worth well over half of that.

So I called the guy from class and told him I was interested but was curious as to what his obro price was, I told him I wasn't trying to beat him down but since this is in Mass which will be an 7-8 hour round trip that if I am coming to look at it and if everything checks out then I would be bringing it home with me. Yet I didn't want to waste his time or mine if price negotiation was the stumbling block. I said it was hard to justify 2000 dollars when a new one is just under 1700. I understand all the tooling included but still.

He said he understood and he felt comfortable with 1500.

So looks like I am taking a trip to mass.

Here is the newer model of the machine, only difference is slight color and the name midas.

https://youtu.be/kiHZ1hPQMvw