Subject: Smithy mill-drill-lathe combo

From: Van Baker <[email-masked]>
Date: 12 Sep 1996 20:59:59 GMT

Hi, all

I'm a relative newbie at precision metals, about to start up as a hsm.
I've been getting the Smithy catalog for some time, and like what I see
about the 1220XL (realizing the lower convenience of a combo machine,
but having space and budget limitations).

Question is, does anyone have good/bad experiences with the equipment/
service?

Thanks for any help!
Van

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From: Carl Johnson <[email-masked]>
Date: Sun, 15 Sep 1996 13:10:06 -0400

Van Baker wrote:
> VanI purchased a Smithy a couple of months ago. I found that the machine was shipped when 
they said it would be, it arrived at the terminal when they said it would be and when I 
got it home I called them for help to disassemble it so I could get it into my basement 
with only two people. And they were helpful like they said they would be.It took about 2 
hours to get the machine moved into my cellar and set up. It may have been easier with 
three people.

I had two problems with the machine when it arrived. The first was that the screw to 
hold the lead screw to the X table was missing. I called Smithy and they shipped one out 
immediatly.(I later found the screw on the basement floor) The second was that the Gibbs 
on the table were loose so I had some chatter. This took only a few minutes to adjust. 
(I later learned that adjusting gibs is done as a matter of preference) 

I experienced a third problem about a month later. The sight glass used to check the oil 
level somehow broke. I could not recall hitting it but thought I may have accidently, so 
I called them for a replacement. When I told them what I needed the representative said 
they had a problem with some of the sight glasses, apologized and sent a replacement 
for free.

I can not speak for the rigidity, or quality of the machine as I am also new to this 
hobby, but I have made some parts and have been happy with the results. It is small, 
quiet (I can run it when the kids go to sleep) and provides the verstility to make all 
the things I want. I definitely recommend the power feed. If you order one go ahead and 
order cutting oil, calipers, drills, and other tools you think you might need, because 
you will need more tooling! Although the machine comes pretty well equipped with tooling 
you will probably need to spend another $200 dollars to do anything useful.

My experience with this company is that they are very friendly, courteous and helpful. 
They seem to stand behind the product completely. I certainly am glad I bought the tool 
and recommend it for others who have limited space.

Although I may sound like I work for Smithy, I dont, I am just very satisfied with the 
company so far. Especially the service.