Granite

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 capacityand higher efficiency and ease of use, compared to the traditional design.

The biggest difference is that the Granite machines are bigger, more powerful and more automated than the Midas machines. The Granite has very good power feeds on X and Y, quick change gear box, and most importantly, a variable speed spindle. Speed changes are made with the turn of a dial. The Midas machines are more manual – gears and belts are changed by hand.

The Granite machines also have tooling that is easier and faster to use. The R8 spindle taper and D1-4 lathe chuck mounts are the industry standard for US productions settings. Tool changes are quicker and easier and the tooling is easy to find for both machine lines; the R8 standard tooling on the Granite machines is generally cheaper.

What is more important to you – time or money? If you are trying to make or save money and you need to maximize speed and efficiency, then the Granite machines are probably your better choice. If you have more time than money then maybe the lower-cost Midas is better for you.

Each Granite model adds features as you go from the Classic on up to the Elite:

Granite Classic: The original model that's been paying its own way for over 20 years. Tens of thousands are in use around the world.

Granite MAX: 30% more horsepower and higher torque with 2 HP brushless DC variable drive spindle motor. 30% more milling capacity than the Classic with extended mill head. The MAX is the ultimate small/home shop combo tool.

Granite Industrial MAX: All the great features of the MAX series, plus a lathe spindle bearing upgrade and expanded tooling package for real production operations. Faster and easier to use. Also has 220 power for all-day production operations. Perfect for production settings, yet fits most shops.

Granite I-MAX Elite: Has all the machining function and capacity of the I-MAX, plus lots of other features that make the Elite the “luxury model” of the combo tool world. Built to last a lifetime – with features that make the Elite a pleasure to use.
Includes these features:

• Digital Tachometer
• One-Shot Lube System
• Splash Shield
• Folding Safety Handles
• Work Light

Smithy model numbers give you the swing in the first two numbers and distance between centers in the last two. All Granite machines have a 13" diameter swing. The 1324 is 24" between centers while the 1340 is 40". All the other features are the same.

Typically people who don't want to be limited by their options. Practical applications include:

• Agriculture – drive shafts, PTO shafts
• Auto – drive shafts, axles
• Gunsmithing – black powder, bull barrels
• Hydraulic Cylinder repair
• Karting - axles

The Granite specification is one-half to one thousandth of an inch production tolerance. The “TIR” (total indicated run-out) should not exceed .001” on any spindle assuming that you have followed proper setup procedures and have not exceeded the physical capacities of the machine or surpassed the safe feed/speed rates.

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

Inch, but a metric Granite model is available. Click for Metric Granite

Yes, all Granite machines have a 1.125” spindle bore through the center of the spindle for passing stock through.

Granite Classic and MAX machines run on 110 volt power and plug into a standard household outlet. The Granite I-MAX and I-MAX Elite run on 220 volt power and use a NEMA 6-15 plug.

Although the motors are DC motors, they still plug into a normal wall outlet. The AC to DC conversion is done by the motor controller or drive.

The motors draw from 8-16 amps. We recommend using a dedicated 20 AMP breaker.

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

The quick change gearbox makes choosing thread pitches very easy. The threading dial helps you stay on track while cutting threads. Cutting inch threads is straight forward. Cutting metric threads can be done, but it requires manually changing a gear. Good metric threads can be made on the Granite. The threading dial is not used when cutting a metric thread.

You can power feed on the X or Y axis – whether using the lathe or mill. Easy to engage, with 21 different feed rate options for optimal surface finishes. Cross feed safety shear pin prevents damage to machine apron when travel limits are accidentally exceeded. The safety clutch on the lead screw prevents damage to the gearbox and transmission when travel limits are exceeded.

• Small Production: Granite machines meet industrial tolerances and are used in a wide variety of production settings for small manufacturers or as a second machine.
• Repair Shops: Auto, aviation, boat, gunsmith, farm, motorcycle, models. The list goes on and on.
• Education/Military: Great tool for educational settings. All machining operations can be shown on one compact machine. Used extensively in military settings where space is at a premium.
• Engineering/R & D: You would be surprised at the number of engineering labs and schools that have a Granite machine in the corner for when you need. Used extensively in R & D settings, by both big and small companies.
• Small/Home Shop: Some Granite owners are current or retired machinists. The vast majority of Granite owners don't have a lot of experience with machining. The common interest is the need to make or save money by producing your own parts. Remember, all Granite machines are guaranteed to pay their own way.

Smithy machines are shipped with tools that allow you to do basic milling and turning from day one. See the Features Tab on each machine's product page.

We offer a 8" 4-jaw chuck plus a 6" 4-jaw chuck but larger 3-jaw chucks are not offered at this time. Any D1-4 chuck will work on the Granite spindles. We do not offer "trade-ups" on the machines accessories or items in the free Quick-Start Tool Packs.

The advantage of upgrading our Granite machines with CNC is that you lose none of the original functionality of the machines. You can still retain the original power feed as well as the mechanical feed on the machines.