(12-25-2016, 07:22 AM)Mayhem Wrote: Why do you want blueprints?  You are not going to build anything remotely close to resembling your wish list.  Further, you haven't told us anything about the specifications for the mill.

Your only options in Australia are to buy used, which generally means whatever you can find and make do with, or you buy new from Hare & Forbes (expensive) or try importing from OS.

Keep in mind that you will spend two to three times the cost of the machines in tooling and for most, this is accumulated over a number of years.  That is unless you win the lotto, inherit a bucket load of money or are going to take out a loan.

Finally, .001" work accuracy comes down to the operator's ability much more than the machines quality or tolerances.  There are guys on this forum who can get better than .001" on old, worn machines, whilst there are people out there who would struggle to get to within .005" on the most expensive precision lathe.

For us to be most helpful to you, it would be useful to know what you are intending to use the machines for.  Also, ER collets are probably a better choice if starting from scratch, as both can easily be used in the lathe and mill.

(12-26-2016, 01:28 AM)stefanblumhoff Wrote: Mate , I will say thank you for your advice. I will buy used as per your statement. I do not know what you mean about the specification of for the mill. I intend to use the both the lathe and milling machine for general metal working projects ranging from the easiest to the hardest as a labour of love so to speak . I have no idea what er collets are but am about to look into them right now. Thank ou for your advice . Without people like you and mrpete222 the world would be a lot poorer.

(12-26-2016, 01:28 AM)stefanblumhoff Wrote: ...I do not know what you mean about the specification of for the mill...

(12-26-2016, 01:32 PM)Dr Stan Wrote: I recommend that you look into course work at a local poly-tech, vocational school or similar location...I'm not familiar with the technical education available down under so it may be wise to seek out a machine shop and ask for information on such training.

(12-26-2016, 09:59 AM)Bigtrev Wrote: "Magazines have issues, everything else has problems"
Luv it ;)

(12-26-2016, 07:45 PM)Mayhem Wrote: I don't know what the second hand market is like in Victoria (Pete O may be able to chime in here) but you may be able to find a business that is closing down or upgrading their machines.

(12-26-2016, 01:32 PM)Dr Stan Wrote: I recommend that you look into course work at a local poly-tech, vocational school or similar location...I'm not familiar with the technical education available down under so it may be wise to seek out a machine shop and ask for information on such training.

Unless you want to do a pre-apprenticeship, there is pretty much nothing available here (in WA at least). I looked into this several years ago when I was getting started and all roads led to a dead end. However, it may be different in the eastern states.