I use the lathe a bit for making tooling for the Lennox and other turning operations, and have used it for milling before. For my use, I'd say lathe over milling machine
Here's the hammers from last week, a matched pair of ball end hammers sent out to Schierer's Customs in AZ. These were made using a "flat" faced BF611 short pick and a BF618 low crowned chisel.
Not having access to a lathe I could always use one, but I suppose it would be the opposite effect not having access to a lathe. The mill makes otherwise difficult tasks incredibly easy.
I had two more commissions last week, and went ahead and made a third while I was at it. This one is made using a Snap-On BF611 and adding the S2 steel ball-end. A fresh Hickory handle with plenty of character. Available....
Got some new help (Paul) in the shop, since Jared is becoming a more full-time student pursuing his Mech Eng degree. Paul visited a local garage sale last weekend and came across a MAC tools body hammer for $2. Egad, it's pointed!!
So it was the perfect candidate for a ball-end. We added a slight crown to the face as well, a good start to his body hammer collection...