Subject: Re: First lathe.

From: [email-masked] (Mr. Randal K. Sparks)
Date: 29 Nov 1996 07:23:56 GMT

Subject: Re: First lathe.

   I am also interested in getting my first home use machine tool.  So
far, the Shop Task brochure is the only one I have received, and the
tool looked pretty good on paper.  As far as the "airspace" in the mill
is concerned,  even the FAQ website for this newsgroup considers space
to be an advantage.  More room for bigger parts.  Shop Task provides an
extension tool (ST-16) which is an MT3 to MT3 adapter that extends the
tool reach by about 6".  It sells for 16.95
   Is your Shop Task the 17-20 XMTC model?  Does it have quality fit
and finish?  Are there any runout or off-axis problems with the mill or
lathe spindles?  Are the indicators graduated in .001" and are they
accurate?  What about threading ability.  Is there an effective way
(?half-nut system?) to stop threading automatically?
    In other words, if you could ignore or solve your problems with the
mill, do you think the rest of the machine is well constructed and
capable of producing .001" tolerance parts?
     Does anyone else have any experience with Shop Task?

Randy Sparks
[email-masked]