MIDAS 3-in-1 Machine

BIG FEATURES - Small Price
DO MORE than you thought possible!

110V ¾ HP

Smithy started the 3-in1 machine tool craze back in the mid-1980’s with the Midas. The Midas line remains as strong as ever: The all-in-one solution for individuals and companies that have smaller shops and budgets, do a moderate amount of machining, can forgo some “bells & whistles”… but demand Smithy quality and service all the way.

Midas Machine Features:

• Precision – Repeatability to to 0.001”
• Large Work Table – Larger work pieces
• Thread Cutting – Right, left, inch and metric
• Power Feeds – On all LTD model
• Larger Spindle Bore – Up to 1” bar stock

Features

	Extended Mill Head 40% more milling capacity.
Two Separate Motors Match the power to the job, 3/4HP lathe motor, 3/4HP mill/drill motor.
	Quick Changeover 12” mill clearance allows room for both mill and lathe setups without removing the lathe chuck. Removing the chuck allows for even bigger work.
Threading Dial and Half-Nut Cut and chase threads quickly and easily – and as accurately as a master machinist.
	Bi-Directional Power Feed On both leadscrew and crossfeed assures fine finishes on both mill and lathe work.
Rack & Pinion Feed on Carraige Quickly position your cutting tools and zip your carriage back and forth to speed your work..

Machine Features:

	Power Feed Engage Handle Position cutting tool, adjust speed and engage, as simple as that.
	Mill/Drill Head Lock Tightens mill head in desired position for rock solid milling and drilling.
	Headstock Moves 360 Degrees Swing mill head out of the way when using lathe, swing back and lock to mill or drill.
	7/16” T-Slot Standard size t-slot for holding tools and workpieces.
	Special Dovetail Ways Dovetail provides accuracy and rigidity, ground and hardened for long-life and accuracy.
	Lifting Handles Convenient slide away lifting handles.
	Belt Tension System Release handle to loosen belt, engage handle to re-tension belt before operation. Allows for quick and easy speed changes.
	Powerfeed Gearbox Two speed gearbox provides a range of speed combinations to power leadscrew.
	Table Locks X and Y axis can both be locked down for solid milling results.
	12 Speed Mill Head Rugged design is also adaptable to a range of machining applications.
	Three Jaw Chuck Precision, self-centering 3-jaw chuck comes installed on the machine as part of the Quick-Start Tool Package. See more tool package information at the bottom of this page.
	Microfeed Handle Engage microfeed clutch and rotate handle to perform operations that require microfeed measurements.
	Offset Tailstock Cut tapers on the lathe and adjust for super accuracy.
	Floating Dials Set starting points for threading and other functions. X and Y read in 0.001" increments.

Specifications

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS

LATHE SPECIFICATIONS

MILL/DRILL SPECIFICATIONS

FAQs

Machine/Model Comparisons

Who buys the MIDAS 3-in-1 machines from Smithy?

Home and garage shop machinists are still the most likely purchaser of a MIDAS machine; though there are thousands of units that are being used in a production setting. The MIDAS is not as automated and precise as the GRANITE line, but it is perfectly good and adequate for light duty applications. Buyers for GRANITE include schools, military, labs, and also home shop machinists.

I see two combo machine designs out there on the market. One is the "mill head mounted on the lathe spindle" design, which Smithy developed and popularized. The other design has the mill head mounted on the backside of the lathe bed. Is one design better than the other?

The combo machine with the mill head mounted behind the lathe bed has been around for over 60 years. It was developed by Emco-Meier and was sold by that company as the Maxi-Mat machine.

The design sold by Smithy was developed in the 1980's and quickly became popular because the Emco-Meier design had four disadvantages: 1) Much smaller milling capacity, 2) the mill can't be moved out of the way when you want to use the lathe (like you can with a Smithy combo), 3) the lathe turning cross feed capacity is limited because the mill head interfers with the travel of the work table, and 4) the size of the work table is limited because the mill head column is mounted so close to the lathe bed.

Among some combo machine operators the Emco-Meier design has the nickname "The Head Banger." This came about because an operator that is turning on the lathe can get focused on his project and forget about the mill head being in the way - the result being he bumps his head.

Overall, the Smithy Combo machine design offers more working capacity and higher efficiency and ease of use, compared to the traditional design.

Is the tool pack helpful?

The FREE tool pack is intended to give you a basic tool set-up to get you started when you get the machine. It's a balanced set of tooling, but you will likely need more tooling once you figure out specific projects you want to do.

What do you mean by "Inspected Twice?"

Each lathe is inspected by trained company employees at the factory - PLUS, a second complete inspection is performed at our warehouse in Ann Arbor, MI before it is sent to the customer.

Why are these lathes better than others on the market?

For a machine tool to be truly great it must have attention paid to every step of its development - design, production, quality control, testing, and after sales support. No other bench top lathe on the market, at this price, has the level of quality committed to every step like these MIDAS lathes.

How long have you been selling these lathes?

Almost 30 years.

Are there machine tool sellers out there now that tool buyers should be aware of?

The biggest change in the market recently is the increase in Chinese sellers coming into the market. They tend to sell cheap and buy knock-off products that don't have the quality of the traditional sellers. It is easy to start a website and throw a bunch of machines on it at low prices to see what sells. These companies tend to have poor service support on products that are poor quality from the start.

Do I need to be a machinist to use this machine?

NO, many buyers of these machines don't have experience - what they have is the need to make parts. Usually they already have something in mind they need to make. What is needed is a commitment to learn and curiosity. It will take time, but you will figure it out. We have a set of machining training videos on our website - you can usually find classes at a local community college or Vo-tech school. Get a machine and get going! You won't be disappointed.

What sort of tolerance can I expect from these machines?

The MIDAS specification is one thousandth of an inch production tolerance. The "TIR" (total indicated run-out) should not exceed .002" on any spindle assuming that you have followed proper setup procedures and have not exceeded the physical capacities of the machine or surpasses the safe feed/speed rates.

What are the machine weights and dimensions? Will they fit in a standard 8' pickup truck bed?

Yes, all Smithy combo machines fit into a standard 8' pickup truck bed. A disassembled machine stand willl also fit into the pickup bed, along with the machine.

Are the dials in inch or metric?

Inch, the machine design and gearing is based on inch measurements. You can also cut metric threads with the 1220 LTD.

Does the Midas have a hole through the center of the spindle and what size is it?

Yes, all MIDAS machines have a 1.03" spindle bore through the center of the spindle for passing stock through.

What are the power requirements for the machine?

MIDAS machines run on 110 volt power and plug into a standard household outlet. The motor draws 11 amps. We recommend using a dedicated 15 AMP breaker.

How much space do I need to accommodate this machine?

A MIDAS normally takes up the space required to store a bicycle. When planning for your MIDAS installation, be sure to account for movement around the machine and opening the pulley door on the left end.

How easy is it to cut threads on the MIDAS machine?

Cutting threads is accomplished by following the pitch chart to manually change gear to match the desired thread pitch. The threading dial helps you stay on track while cutting threads. Cutting inch threads is straight forward. Cutting metric threads can be accomplished.

Uses

Midas 3-In-1 Lathe - Mill - Drill

PRODUCT USES

 Here are a few popular uses for the Midas 3-in-1 Lathe-Mill-Drill:

	HOMEOWNERS Fix ANYTHING around your home, yard. garage including cars, appliances, toys, plumbing, more.Ron put obsolete windows in working order.I made the small plastic parts I needed to repair my vintage aluminum windows with my Smithy. Ronald B., Kettering, OH
GUNSMITHS Machine nearly everything on a rifle, shotgun, pistol, or revolver with a Smithy. Mill sights, jewel a rifle bolt, taper and chamber a barrel, more.Bob wants only the best.I require the best equipment to make the best guns. The Smithy does that for me. Bob M., Butte, MT
	MODEL MAKERS Build motor mounts, drivetrain parts, custom wheels, and deck fittings. Go all out and replace plastic parts with metal.James Finds building trains easy & fun.I build model trains. I use my Midas 1220 to work on axles and that sort of thing. It's easy and fun to use. James F., Denver, CO
WOODWORKERS The Smithy works , too. Turn round or square wooden workpieces with less chatter and vibration than light, ordinary wood lathes.Jim made 28 bowls on his Smithy.I am very satisfied and recommend the Smithy to anyone. I've made 28 bowls of various sizes and materials: walnut, pecan, cherry, ash, oak, more. Jim D., Owasso, OK
	RACERS Make or repair parts for racing cars, motorcycles, boats, and more. Ask the winner at your next race: he probably owns a Smithy!Custom Parts made easy on the MidasThere's a lot of special studs, shoulder bolts, custom axles, spacers and whatever that are not likely to be in stock if they exist at all. I can whip one out on the lathe in an hour. Michael C., Covert, MI
AUTO RESTORERS Can't find original replacement parts? Restore like a pro by modifying existing parts or making new ones from scratch with a Smithy.Mike makes things you just can't buy over the counter.I've installed a motor and am making all the custom chrome goodies, things you can't buy over the counter. Mike W., Westminster, CO
	More Uses Of course, possible uses for a Midas machine are not limited to these eight applications. What would you do with a Midas machine in your shop? Give us a call, we are interested in your ideas!