Engineers, artisans, and crafters refer to lathe mill combos as the “Mother of all Machine Tools” because of their versatility and ability to perform the tasks of several machines. However, many machinists find it frustrating to switch between different devices during a project, leading to wasted time and fatigue.
Forgetting to make minor adjustments can cause having to set up the other machine from scratch, increasing stress and lethargy. This constant switching can also detract from the enjoyment of creating a new piece.
Whether you are looking for a mini metal lathe or a wood lathe, investing in the best lathe mill combo machine can solve your problems. Having one machine can save time, space, your wood materials and energy. Although it may seem complex at first, it is a powerful machine that can elevate your work to new heights.
Table of Contents
- Explore the Best Lathe Mill Combos
- Shop Fox M1018 Lathe Mill Combo
- Grizzly G9729 Combo Lathe/Mill
- Proxxon 34104 Mill/Drill Head
- Hengwei Desktop Mini Lathe Drilling and Milling Machine
- Multipurpose 6 in 1 DIY Combo Lathe
- Muchentec 6 in 1 Mini Handwork Machine kit
- Buyer’s Guide
- Getting Out There and Getting Started with Your New Lathe Mill Combo
Explore the Best Lathe Mill Combos
Lathe mills can be challenging to choose from because of their complexity. Before making a purchase, it is important to consider several factors to ensure you find the right fit for your needs. To make this important decision easier, we have compiled a list of six lathe mills that offer great value for money.
We will also give you a buyer’s guide that will hopefully assist you in finding and buying the best mill lathe combo for your workshop. This buyer’s guide will highlight important aspects to consider when making your choices, such as the type of projects you will work on, your budget, and the space in your workshop.
With this information, you can make an informed decision on which of these lathe mills will best meet your needs. Let’s get started and find the best mill lathe combo for your workshop.
Shop Fox M1018 Lathe Mill Combo
The Shop Fox M1018 Lathe Mill Combo is a must-have for anyone who is looking for a powerful benchtop lathe mill combo. Woodstock International has manufactured this machine to handle heavy-duty tasks, making it the perfect benchtop tool for any workshop.
Whether you need to turn, cut threads, drill, or mill, the Shop Fox M1018 Lathe Mill Combo will do it all with ease.
Design and Build
One of the key features of this lathe mill combo is its 16-1/2″ swing over bed. This means that you can mount workpieces of up to 16-1/2″ in diameter without striking the bed. This extra space provides greater freedom of movement while operating the machine, making it easier to carry out even the most intricate projects.
It’s important to note that the swing over bed does not determine the maximum processing diameter. The term for this is called “Swing over cross slide” or “Swing over the saddle” and the Shop Fox M1018 offers a processing length with an 11-1/2″ swing over the saddle. The distance between centers is 19-3/16″, and the machine features a 3/4″ spindle bore and MT #3 tapers, offering a large lathe capacity to handle heavy-duty projects with nothing to block your work.
Range of Functions
While some people prefer automatic features in their machines, the Shop Fox M1018 Lathe Mill Combo takes a different approach. It’s designed with manual carriage controls that provide greater precision when working on your projects. The machine features a longitudinal hand crank that allows you to move the carriage along the lead screw, similar to the power feed.
There is also a graduated dial on the hand crankshaft that moves as you turn the hand crank and can be “zeroed” when the cutting tool touches the workpiece, allowing you to keep track of the location and movement of the tool.
This lathe machine also has a manual cross slide hand-wheel with a graduated dial and compound slide, which enables you to set the tool to follow an angle accurately.
Working with the Shop Fox M1018 Combo Lathe Mill
One of the best features of the M1018 Combo Lathe/Mill is its tool post. It can hold up to four 1/2″ tools, allowing you to save time by having multiple tools installed at once. To change between parts, simply loosen the locked lever and move to the desired tool.
The manufacturer has also included a spring-loaded catch that enables you to rotate the turret 90 degrees at a time, making it easy to position and change between tools. The tool post makes it easier and faster to work on different parts and is one reason the M1018 Combo Lathe/Mill is one of the best combination lathes available today.
Precision and Accuracy
The M1018 Combo Lathe/Mill offers 14 different speeds for mill/drill needs, ranging from 117 to 1300 RPM, and 7 variable speeds for lathe needs, ranging from 160 to 1360 RPM. A 3/4 horsepower single-phase motor powers the machine, which is decent for a bench-top combination lathe mill machine.
This type of motor is less expensive and requires less maintenance, making it an ideal choice for hobbyists and professionals alike. In case of any trouble with the motor, servicing is quick and easy to perform.
Conclusion
The Shop Fox M1018 Combo Lathe/Mill is an excellent machine that has received very few complaints from customers. It’s made with great professionalism and comes with a two-year guarantee, making it a reliable tool for any workshop.
Whether you’re a professional or hobbyist, this lathe mill combo will serve all of your needs and provide precise and clever results. It’s one of the best lathe mill combo machines on the market today.
Grizzly G9729 Combo Lathe/Mill
The Grizzly G9729 Combo Lathe/Mill is a top-of-the-line bench-top machine that handles heavy-duty tasks with ease. Whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist, this lathe mill combo has everything you need to bring your projects to life.
Design and Build
The first thing you’ll notice about the Grizzly G9729 is its design. The 16-1/2″ swing over bed provides ample space to mount your workpiece without striking the bed.
This feature makes it easier to operate the machine, giving you more room to work and reducing the likelihood of accidents.
The 11-1/2″ swing over the saddle and 19-3/16″ distance between centers provide ample space for machining even the largest workpieces.
Range of Functions
Another important aspect of the Grizzly G9729 is its versatility. It offers 14 different motor speeds for milling and drilling, ranging from 117 to 1300 RPM, and seven variable speeds for lathing, ranging from 160 to 1360 RPM.
This control allows you to adjust the motor speed according to the needs of your project, ensuring efficient machining.
The 3/4 horsepower motor is also a big plus, providing plenty of power for even the most demanding projects.
Working with the Grizzly G9729 Combo Lathe/Mill
A key feature of the Grizzly G9729 is its manual carriage controls. You can move the carriage along the lead screw with the longitudinal hand crank. The graduated dial on the hand crankshaft helps you keep track of the location and movement of the tool, ensuring that you get precise results every time.
The manual cross slide hand-wheel with a graduated dial and a compound slide also gives you the ability to set the tool to advance at an angle, giving you even more granular control.
The tool post is another highlight of the Grizzly G9729. It can hold up to four half-inch tools, making it easy to switch between parts without wasting time.
The spring-loaded catch also makes it easy to rotate the turret 90 degrees at a time, and you can lock down the lever to prevent unwanted movement. This feature makes changing between parts a breeze, allowing you to focus on your work and get better results in less time.
Reliability and Ownership
Another big plus for the Grizzly G9729 is its reliability. With a two-year guarantee, you can be confident that this machine will last for many years to come.
The 3/4 horsepower single-phase motor is also low-maintenance and easy to repair, giving you peace of mind knowing that you won’t be spending a lot of time or money keeping it running smoothly.
Conclusion
The Grizzly G9729 Combo Lathe/Mill is an excellent machine that offers versatility, precision, and reliability. Whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist, this lathe mill combo has everything you need to get the job done.
With a two-year guarantee and a low-maintenance motor, this is an investment that will pay off for many years to come. So, if you’re looking for one of the best benchtop tools around, the Grizzly G9729 is definitely worth considering.
Proxxon 34104 Mill/Drill Head
The Proxxon 34104 Mill/Drill Head is a high-quality accessory for those looking to expand the capabilities of their Proxxon micro-milling machine. This versatile device can drill, mill, and ream, making it a useful addition for hobbyists and professional metalworkers alike.
Whether you’re working on small parts or larger projects, the Proxxon 34104 can help you get the job done safely and efficiently.
Design and Build
One of the standout features of the Proxxon 34104 mill/drill piece is its compact design. Proxxon designed this head to work with Proxxon’s micro-milling machine, so it doesn’t take up much space in your workshop.
Despite its small size, Proxxon manufactures this head with heavy-duty materials, so it’s durable and long-lasting. You’ll appreciate the high level of quality that goes into this product.
Range of Functions
Another advantage of the Proxxon 34104 head is its precision. This device can mill and drill with high accuracy, so you can get the results you want every time. The head is equipped with a fine-adjustment handwheel for precise movements, so you can make alterations on the fly.
This drill head is fitted with a micrometer for measuring drill depth, so you can make sure you’re drilling to the perfect depth.
Working with the Proxxon 34104 Mill/Drill Head
In terms of performance, the Proxxon 34104 head delivers. This device is powered by a high-speed motor that can reach up to 20,000 RPM, so you can work quickly and efficiently.
This motor is also quiet, so you won’t have to worry about annoying vibrations or loud noises while you’re working. The Proxxon 34104 mill/drill also has a smooth and responsive feed system, so you can make precise adjustments to the position of your workpiece.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Proxxon 34104 mill/drill works with the Proxxon micro-milling machine, so you’ll need to have this machine in order to use this accessory.
Precision and Accuracy
Another aspect to consider is that the Proxxon 34104 mill/drill is a manual device, so you’ll need to make adjustments by hand. While this might be a drawback for some users, it’s worth mentioning that the manual controls on this head are precise and easy to use.
The manual controls allow you to make precise adjustments to your workpiece, so you can achieve the results you want with greater accuracy.
Conclusion
The Proxxon 34104 Mill/Drill Head is a great accessory for anyone who wants to expand the capabilities of their Proxxon micro-milling machine. Whether you’re working on small parts or larger projects, this device will help you get the job done with precision and ease. So, if you’re looking for a high-quality mill/drill head that is built to last, consider the Proxxon 34104.
Hengwei Desktop Mini Lathe Drilling and Milling Machine
The Hengwei Desktop Mini Lathe Drilling and Milling Machine is a versatile and compact machine that is designed for hobbyists, DIY enthusiasts, and professionals who need a machine for their smaller projects. The Hengwei Desktop Mini Lathe Drilling and Milling Machine offers a high quality construction and comes with a range of features that make it ideal for a wide range of applications. In this review, we will take a closer look at what this machine has to offer.
Design and Build Quality
The Hengwei Desktop Mini Lathe Drilling and Milling Machine is designed for ease of use and portability. It measures approximately 20 x 14 x 15 inches, making it compact enough to fit on most desktop or workbench surfaces.
This machine is made with high-quality materials, including a cast iron bed, which provides a solid base for the workpiece and helps to reduce vibrations. The headstock, tailstock, and tool post are also made from cast iron, adding to the machine’s durability.
Range of Functions
The Hengwei Desktop Mini Lathe Drilling and Milling Machine is a multi-functional machine that can perform a range of tasks, including turning, drilling, milling, and boring. The machine comes with a controllable motor that allows you to set variable speeds for the spindle to suit your specific needs. The headstock and tailstock are adjustable, making it easy to work on different-sized workpieces. The machine also features a drill chuck and a milling head, making it possible to switch between the universal drill and milling operations with ease.
Working with the Hengwei Desktop Mini Lathe Drilling and Milling Machine
The Hengwei Desktop Mini Lathe Drilling and Milling Machine is designed for ease of use. The machine is equipped with a control panel that provides easy access to all of the machine’s functions and settings. The control panel also features a digital display that shows the current speed, making it easy to monitor and adjust the machine’s speed. The machine is also equipped with a chuck key that makes it easy to change the drill bits or milling and cutting tools used.
Precision and Accuracy
The Hengwei Desktop Mini Lathe Drilling and Milling Machine is designed to provide precision and accuracy, making it ideal for a wide range of applications. The machine is equipped with a high-precision lead screw that provides smooth and accurate movement of the workpiece. The machine’s design also helps to reduce vibrations, which can impact accuracy and precision.
Accessories and Attachments
The Hengwei Desktop Mini Lathe Drilling and Milling Machine comes with a range of accessories and attachments, including a drill chuck, milling head, and chuck key. These attachments make it easy to switch between drilling and milling operations and to perform a range of other tasks. The machine also comes with a user manual that provides detailed instructions for using and maintaining the machine.
Conclusion
The Hengwei Desktop Mini Lathe Drilling and Milling Machine is a compact and versatile machine that is designed for hobbyists, DIY enthusiasts, and professionals who need a machine for their small projects. The machine is built with high-quality materials, including a cast iron bed, and comes with a range of features that make it ideal for a wide range of applications. The machine is easy to use, precise, and accurate, making it a great choice for anyone who needs a compact and capable machine for their small projects.
Multipurpose 6 in 1 DIY Combo Lathe
The Multipurpose 6 in 1 DIY Combo Lathe is a versatile wood lathe that can handle a wide range of projects. Whether you’re a professional woodworker, hobbyist, or just starting out, this machine is a great choice for anyone looking to expand their woodworking capabilities.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing that stands out about this lathe is its compact design. Despite its small size, it packs a punch with a powerful motor that delivers plenty of torque for even the toughest projects. The machine also comes with a number of useful accessories, including a faceplate, live center, drive center, and tool rest, making it a great value for the price.
Range of Functions
One of the key features of this lathe is its versatility. The machine can be used for a wide range of tasks, including turning, drilling, milling, sanding, and even polishing. This makes it a great choice for woodworkers who want a machine that can handle a variety of projects, without the need for multiple machines. The machine also has a variable speed control, which allows you to adjust the speed to match the task at hand, and a large bed for turning larger pieces of wood.
Working with the Multipurpose 6 in 1 DIY Combo Lathe
Another advantage of this lathe is its ease of use. The machine is designed with user-friendly features that make it simple to operate, even for beginners. For example, the machine has a digital readout that makes it easy to keep track of speed and depth, and the controls are well-labeled and easy to access. The machine also comes with an instruction manual that provides detailed instructions on how to use each of the functions, making it easy to get started.
Performance & Reliability
In terms of performance, the Multipurpose 6 in 1 DIY Combo Lathe delivers impressive results. The motor is powerful and delivers consistent performance, and the machine is smooth and precise, even when working with larger pieces of wood. The accessories that come with the machine are also well-made and durable, and they work seamlessly with the machine to deliver smooth and accurate results.
Some Items of Note
One potential downside of this lathe is that it may not be suitable for larger or more demanding projects. The machine is designed for hobbyists and beginners, and while it can handle a wide range of tasks, it may not be the best choice for more advanced woodworkers. However, for most hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts, this lathe should be more than capable of handling all of their needs.
Another issue with this lathe is that the accessories can be difficult to change out, especially for beginners. The machine has a small footprint, which makes it easy to store, but it also means that the accessories are positioned in a compact manner, making it challenging to change out the accessories quickly and easily. This may not be a big issue for most users, but for those who need to switch accessories frequently, it could be a hindrance.
Conclusion
The Multipurpose 6 in 1 DIY Combo Lathe is a great choice for anyone looking to expand their woodworking capabilities. The machine is compact, versatile, easy to use, and delivers impressive results, making it a great value for the price. Whether you’re a professional woodworker, hobbyist, or just starting out, this machine is sure to meet all of your needs. Just keep in mind that it may not be the best choice for more advanced or demanding projects, and the accessories can be difficult to change out.
Muchentec 6 in 1 Mini Handwork Machine kit
The Muchentec 6 in 1 Mini Handwork Machine kit is a compact and versatile machine that is designed to meet the needs of hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced woodworker, this machine offers a wide range of capabilities that make it an excellent choice for a wide range of projects.
Design and Build Quality
One of the standout features of this machine is its compact size. Despite its small footprint, the machine is packed with a range of capabilities, making it ideal for use in small workshops or even in the home. The machine is also designed to be easy to use, with a user-friendly interface and simple controls that make it accessible to users of all skill levels.
Range of Functions
Another advantage of this machine is its versatility. The Muchentec 6 in 1 Mini Handwork Machine kit is capable of performing a wide range of tasks, including drilling, milling, turning, sanding, and even polishing. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone who wants a single machine that can handle multiple tasks, rather than having to invest in multiple machines. The machine also has a variable speed control, allowing you to adjust the speed to match the task at hand, and a digital readout for keeping track of speed and depth.
Performance & Reliability
In terms of performance, the Muchentec 6 in 1 Mini Handwork Machine kit delivers solid results. The machine is well-built, with a sturdy and durable construction that makes it capable of handling a wide range of projects. The motor is powerful and delivers consistent performance, and the machine operates smoothly and precisely, even when working with larger pieces of wood. The accessories that come with the machine are also well-made and work seamlessly with the machine, delivering smooth and accurate results.
Some Items of Note
One potential drawback of this machine is its size. While the compact design makes it ideal for small workshops or home use, it may not be suitable for larger or more demanding projects.
The machine is designed for hobbyists and beginners, and while it can handle a wide range of tasks, it may not be the best choice for more advanced woodworkers. However, for most hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts, this machine should be more than capable of handling all of their needs.
Another issue with this machine is that the accessories can be difficult to change out, especially for beginners. The machine has a small footprint, which makes it easy to store, but it also means that the accessories are positioned in a compact manner, making it challenging to change out the accessories quickly and easily. This may not be a big issue for most users, but for those who need to switch accessories frequently, it could be a hindrance.
Conclusion
The Muchentec 6 in 1 Mini Handwork Machine kit is a great choice for anyone looking to expand their woodworking capabilities. The machine is compact, versatile, easy to use, and delivers solid results, making it a great value for the price.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced woodworker, this machine is sure to meet all of your needs. Just keep in mind that it may not be the best choice for more advanced or demanding projects, and the accessories can be difficult to change out.
See also: a comprehensive list of old wood lathes to buy.
Buyer’s Guide
In this buyer’s guide, we will provide a comprehensive overview of what to look for when purchasing your lathe mill combo.
What to Look for When Purchasing a Lathe Mill Combo
- Size: Consider the size of the machine to ensure it will fit in your workshop, won’t take up too much floor space, and is good for the tasks you want to perform. Smaller machines are ideal for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts, while larger machines are better suited for more demanding applications.
- Features: Look for a lathe mill combo machine with features that are suitable for your needs. Consider the type of materials you want to work with, the type of operations you want to perform, and the accuracy and precision you require.
- Price: Lathe mill combo machines are available at different price points, so consider your budget when making your purchase. Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not be the best in terms of quality and features.
- Power Supply: Ensure your chosen lathe mill has sufficient power as detailed by the manufacturer.
- Operating Space: When working in a small shop space it is vital that you ensure you have an adequate table size for your chosen lathe machine.
- Brand Reputation: Look for a mill-lathe combo machine from a reputable brand with an excellent track record. Consider customer reviews and ratings to help you make an informed decision on the best machines available.
- Warranty: Ensure your lathe mill combo machine comes with a warranty. This will provide peace of mind and protect your investment in the event of any defects or malfunctions.
Getting Out There and Getting Started with Your New Lathe Mill Combo
With all the options out there, we are sure you will find the best mill lathe combo for your working style and budget. Each of the options we reviewed has an excellent reputation and provides a wide range of applications. The choice, however, will have to be made by you and your knowledge of your individual needs.
Let us know what you decide on and share details/images of your projects in the comments below so the next reader can be better informed by your experiences.