Hey folks ,very experienced metal fabricator here , but have never ventured to the machine shop side of things . I was thinking about making some roller dies etc, but I dont know where to start as far as what mill to get or buy a lathe or combo machine ? I would also like to know what dvds or books to get and lets say a budget of 2000 dollars or less for a machine ,thanks !

I don't really like the combo machines. Too much crap to change around to switch from one process to another. If you are cramped for space and that is the only thing you can fit in , then it is another deal.
Smitthy is a nice quality machine. The HF ones have way too much backlash and play in everything.
Otherwise get a nice older lathe and seperate mill

Take a class at your local vocational school or your local high school if they have adult continuing ed classes.

I have a Grizzly 3-in-1 Mill/Drill/Lathe machine, number G9729

http://grizzly.com/products/G9729

The lathe part is "OK" (though changing gears sucks, and the compound rest isn't super solid, and slowest RPM is 160, which is still pretty fast).

The mill sucks. The compound rest is also the milling vise. Laughable. Good luck with that. :laughing: I wouldn't wish the mill on my worst enemy.

I do not recommend it. I traded for it (it was brand new) and got rid of a POS project car. Believe me I got the better end of the deal with the 3-in-1. :homer:

I'd get separate machines for sure. Put a WTB on Craigslist, that's how I got my standalone milling machine.

Id go with a old bridgeport mill and a enco bench top lathe. The enco lathe will probally be suffficient unless you plan on making drive shafts.