I'm relatively new to machining.  It's something I've always wanted to do but only had the chance to get into in the last couple of years.  My first purchase was an old Sears Model AA lathe.  It was in pretty sad shape when I got it so I tore it completely apart and rebuilt it.  Shortly afterward I lucked up and found an old JET 9x20 at an auction for a good price so I never really used the Sears lathe much.  In fact I traded it for a 7x12 horizontal/vertical bandsaw which has come in quite handy!

I've learned a lot with the JET and enjoy using it but I hope to eventually trade up again.  In the meantime I've done a couple of mods to it but nothing that you can't find out about on other sites so I won't waste your time on it here.  News Flash: I recently lucked up and found a 12" Craftsman/Atlas lathe in great condition so I've upgraded again!  More on the lathe later on...

Recently I decided it was time for a mill.  I have very limited space (and funds) so I was looking for something small and affordable but useful.  I'd heard good things about the Seig mini mills sold by Harbor Freight, Grizzly and Homier to name a few, and it just so happened that Harbor Freight put theirs on sale at about the same time they sent me a 20% off coupon good for one item.  I ended up with their version of the mill for about $400 including tax.