Does anyone out there own a 3 in 1 machine?

[4GSR]

Does anyone out there own a 3 in 1 machine?

If so, how do you like it? or dislike?

Ken

[chips and more]

Like a Smithy or HF look-a-like?  Don’t think you talking about a ShopSmith, right?

[Carpenter84]

I met a guy once, well, sold him a motor, who had a mill/lathe, before I started in metal work - but had an interest to start. He had a busy bee, an older model. Not a small machine, but not huge. I asked him about it. He said it served its purpose, but lacked rigidity. One of those scenarios where it does many things but not many things great. Many limitations.

He was in the process of restoring an old series 1 BP. Which was why he wanted the motor I had.

[woodchucker]

I don't. I am sure you know it's not great at anything except maybe one.
Cross drilling a lathe part, or indexing it.


Other than that it's a jack of all trades , MASTER OF NONE.

[Terrywerm]

For the fellow that works on small projects like model steam or gas engines, or RC car parts I think a 3-in-1 might work fairly well without taking up a ton of space. Like a machine of any size no matter how big or small, it will have limits to its abilities and the man that works with the machine must know those limits and work within them.

When I started into this hobby I had briefly considered going the 3-in-1 route but soon realized that some of the things I wished to make would be beyond the limits of such a machine. For that reason I stepped things up a notch with a 10" Logan lathe and my midsized Clausing 8520 mill. Even then there are times that I wished I had bigger equipment but instead I have learned how to work within the capabilities of the machinery I have and I think I am a better hobby machinist for having done it that way.

You thinking about downsizing, Ken? That would certainly be one way to gain some space in the shop!

[Carpenter84]

I'll take that Rockwell if you're downsizing!!! Free shipping, right?? 

"What do you mean, no way?? China ships for free!"

[4GSR]

Not planning on selling the Rockwell anytime, period.  Like my Smith and Wesson pistol, you'll have to pry my cold dead hands off of it before you can have it!!!

No, I notice this section of the forum had never had anything posted in it.  Now it does!

Speaking of the 3 in 1 machines, my brother and I started to buy the Smithy Granite model way back when they came out with it around 1999-2000.  We decided no.  Glad we did.  Instead we both have a 13-14" decent size lathe and a Bridgeport type mill now.

The one drawback of the 3 in 1 machines is, none of them offer one with a spindle that will accept 5C collet setup!  This was one of the main turn-offs to me. I could care less with it having a Morse taper in the spindle.

Ken

[Ulma Doctor]

i owned a HF 3 in 1 for about 6 months
it paid for itself a couple times over.
i sold it relatively quickly for more capable machinery,
but it served its purpose for the pinch i was in at the time.
would i buy it again, NO
is the Smithy or Shop Task a better option, in my opinion- Yes
they are not really great at any one thing,
but, they can mill.
they can drill.
and they can turn.
i wouldn't recommend doing all 3 at the same time 

[woodchucker]

I have always considered them a compromise.. not good at anyone thing.


I think the place they shine is a part that needs to be turned, drilled or milled, and turned again, or index drilled.


But they will always have some down sides for any single operation.

[PJB]

I have a leatherman multi tool in my center console that comes in handy on occasion.   Works in a pinch but far from a real screwdriver or pliers.

[NRC57]

I own a white Shop Task. It is nothing to write home about. I use mine in a pinch and for drilling center on the end of shafts. It has a large bore through spindle so it make itself useful. It is a Morse Taper in all the spindles. Doing small work is nice but do not push it, it is not real rigid. Go slow and easy, they do good work.
Nelson
 

[4GSR]

Nelson,

How large is the spindle bore in yours? 

[NRC57]

Ken
I need to check it but I believe it takes a MT6. It's over 1.500 inches.
Nelson

[4GSR]

WOW! 

The Smithy we were thinking of buying years ago I think only had a 1.250" bore in the spindle.

[Jake Parker]

My $.02.
Multi machines are OK at a few things, but not great at any one thing.