John Wilson
Well-Known Member
I have the X2D mini mill. Little Machine Shop puts them on sale every now and then for about $100 off. I got mine for 600. Being that Christmas is here, I’d be on the lookout for sales. The LMS version comes with several very nice upgrades.
I haven’t looked at their lathes but I’d expect the same thing. LMS or Grizzly is where I’d look first. Keep in mind, every fractional HP machine tool comes from the same place in China. But LMS and Grizzly maintain good QC in my experience.
I bought my Grizzly G0602 lathe through Amazon just for the excellent buyer protection and return guarantee.
I love my G0602 but for knife making it’s overkill. However if you want one machine that can do more than turn down pivots and standoffs it’s a very capable machine for a bench top lathe.
I would also keep an eye on Craigs List. There may be a fantastic old lathe in your area for not much money.
I haven’t looked at their lathes but I’d expect the same thing. LMS or Grizzly is where I’d look first. Keep in mind, every fractional HP machine tool comes from the same place in China. But LMS and Grizzly maintain good QC in my experience.
I bought my Grizzly G0602 lathe through Amazon just for the excellent buyer protection and return guarantee.
I love my G0602 but for knife making it’s overkill. However if you want one machine that can do more than turn down pivots and standoffs it’s a very capable machine for a bench top lathe.
I would also keep an eye on Craigs List. There may be a fantastic old lathe in your area for not much money.