Lathe Mill Combo Buyer's Guide

Things to look out for when buying a Lathe Mill Combo machine tool
These are also known as 3-in-1 machines or lathe/mill/drills
My recommendation is that if you have the space for separate machines, buy a separate lathe and mill. You should get a drill press too, even if you go for the 3-in-1. You can get milling and turning for a lot lower initial cost by going the 3-in-1 route but you will have more money to spend in future and you'll wish you'd spent that initial wad on a lathe and then bought a mill later. The individual machines will cut better, cut faster and be more efficient with your time.
See Blondihacks on why to buy the lathe before the mill • Getting Started In Mac...
If you really are stuck in a tiny garden shed and can't fit both machines in (dubious - see the tiny garden shed of Ade's Workshop / ade63dug ) or maybe you just need a compact machining station for occasional work, then these combos might be a good fit long term.
My particular machine - ShopTask 1720 XMTC came from the factory in 1998 with CNC stepper motor mounts, and I have (finally) implemented the CNC features. I'm already invested in it and I can't justify swapping it out for two separate machines in the short term - nor can I negotiate for more garage space to put them in. Longer term, I will be upgrading and spreading out.
The models shown in the popup examples are
Smithy Granite XT 1324 Lathe Mill Combo smithy.com/pro...
This looks more rigid to me as the vertical depth of the beam supporting the mill head is much deeper than the other long-heads, also the supporting pillar looks to be a good inch wider, and the lathe spindle is closer to the ways. This machine actually uses the single motor format beefed up to 2HP, with variable speed drive, a quick change gearbox and a mostly full function apron. If I were in the market for a manual 3-in-1, this would be the top of my list.
Grizzly G4003 - 12" x 36" Gear-Head, Cam Lock Spindle, Lathe www.grizzly.co...
Example of a full function lathe apron, including separate power feed.
Grizzly G4015Z - 19-3/16" 3/4 HP Combo Lathe/Mill www.grizzly.co...
Example of the classic short-head design with single motor and 4" chuck. This seems to include a forward/reverse and half-nut on the lead screw, but no threading dial. Note Grizzly's 3" vise combined into the compound.
Precision Matthews 1640TL Late www.precisionm...
An example of a real 16" swing lathe with 5HP and weighing 3500lbs. These little 3-in-1 machines with 12/16/17" swing do not really have that swing. The don't have the power to cut that, and they don't have the mass to support the spindle properly that far from they ways, resulting in reduced rigidity.
Useful links:
History of 3-in-1 (ShopTask perspective): www.chicagolat...
Smithy perspective: smithy.com/pag...
Note this video from Jet Boat Mayhem • Grizzly G0769 Lathe Mi... where the user found one of the smaller "back-head" types so frustrating he unbolted the mill-head and tied it to a separate X-Y table.
I am a hobbyist and maker and sometimes I sell what I make.
Tindie Store: www.tindie.com...
Etsy Store: www.etsy.com/s...
Blog: redhunter.com
Twitter: / redhunterstore