A combi lathe mill drill, also known as a combination or 'combo' lathe mill drill, is a type of lathe that can also undertake drilling and milling works. These machines are generally smaller and more affordable than typical lathes and are built mainly for the hobbyist or small component manufacturer.
This is not only because of the machine's size, but there are usually other compromises for the combination machine, such as features, rigidity and precision. However, with enough time and skill, a hobbyist can still obtain high accuracy from these machines.
The combi lathe mill drill is great for any hobbyist metalworker, as it allows for lathing, milling and drilling works to be completed with just the one unit. The machine works by utilising a milling column which rises up above the lathe bed, where the column uses the carriage and topslide as the X and Y axis.
The main thing to keep in mind with combi lathe mill drill machines is to know what you're compromising on with the machine you're purchasing. Some combi lathe mill drill machines don't have much in the way of rigidity, or tend to have a long setup time between each function.
While they can be ideal for a hobbyist, if you spend a lot of time lathing, drilling and milling, the combi lathe mill drill may not be the best solution, and purchasing separate machines may be the way to go. However, many non-machining businesses do tend to use these where occasional small parts require machining or repair.
Of course, it's always up to you and your preferences. If you don't have much workshop space, or have a tighter budget, but still want to be able to use all these machines, the combi lathe mill drill could be a viable option. Just keep an eye on the specs and features, so you know it's the right one for you.
As always, if you are unsure, speak to your local dealer or seller to get a good idea of which machine is best for your needs.
