SpudFiles

Hello all, calling out the machinists among us.,i really want to get into machining aluminiumparts, i want to save up for some basic equipment and start from there. Could anybody point me in the right direction for a machine that would allow me to make small parts as well as objects like recievers for rifles.

I am really looking for the cheapest equipment that would allow me to do this. I live in melbourne, australia. I am open to building one myself with the right instructions.

You'll need a mill for actions, and a lathe if it involves any round parts. I use manual (rather than CNC) if it's an option. I wouldn't recommend a combination machine. Milling attachments for lathes aren't very useful, and using an XY table to mill on a drill press will damage the bearings.

For small parts you can look at the cheapish mini lathes and mills produced by chinese companies (you know the ones, they're red, and pretty much all come out the same factory). They lack the rigidity of a full sized machine, but are still workable for small parts.

Have you considered the legality of making gun parts? I was about to suggest how profitable selling aftermarket gun parts would be..then I realized how illegal it is :S

When i say for rifles, i mean toy ones, and not selling lol. I just want a way to produce all kinds of crap without having it look ghetto.

mini mill if small parts,

Grizzly 0704 if larger. Both are under 300lbs, the Grizzly comes with a stand.
Both have variable speed motors, R8 spindles, etc.

Someone modified the mini mill for more travel, but it was quite involved.

DO NOT get anything with a round column. If you decide to CNC later, you will punch yourself in the face.

Used Bridgeports can be had for around $1000, but you'll need a phase converter.