free weights vs machines

[bludevil]

I used to work out with free weights but I switched jobs and my new company has a fitness center. The good news is I can use it for free, but the bad news is they only have cybex machinery. They have no free weights besides dumbells. My question is how much of a difference should I see from free weights and machines.
ie... If I can bench 300lbs with free weights, should I see an incline/decline in the amount I could bench on machines or is it basically the same.

 

[Ralphie]

You should be able to do more on machines. At least for thats how it is, I think generally that is the truth for everyone though.

 

[Arnold]

the problem is that machines do not strengthen synergistic muscles, e.g. rotator cuffs, and for the most part are inferior; also machines tend to force the body into unnatural movements. personally I think that training with machines can be more dangerous than free weights, providing that you know what your doing.
I have hurt my back and knees using leg press machines several times (different models too), I have never hurt my back or knees performing squats.

 

[Mudge]

To me many machines feel very un-natural, like Prince said. Machines I use are seated calf, sometimes a Scott Bench (preacher, etc), and almost always for incline bench and overhead barbell front press. I also sometimes use the back machines (if the cable row is a "machine" which it is, that one I use very often).

 

[MeanCuts]

You should normally be able to lift more on machines than free weights