Help me find a good used mill.

Its time to let this thread go, but I will agree that Asian vertical mills and lathes have taken over the modern hobby metalworking niche. My Taiwanese vertical mill Bridgeport "clone" (20 years old) I assess as superior to a "real" Bridgeport. It's like examining a fine rifle. If everyting fits well, holds up well, and in every way gives you a sense of quality, then it is quality. Not to say that there is not a lot of good old American iron out there, but quality is quality and the individual needs to use common sense when purchasing any machine tool. Sad to say, but there is no easy way to explain to a novice what is important in a machine. Tools are like individuals, and most quality ones can be made to do the job even when worn out - but that is really up to the skill of the user.

Scott

Scott
 
On a Bridgeport Vari speed, how does one reduce the overall height for shipping? Anyone know the overall height with the head tilted? Might be fun getting into my little shop.
 
HI Rob

Rob,

Gotta be the "Charles Whitman of Ebay" buddy!

I "stole" a 4 axis CNC knee mill with a CAT40 spindle for WELL under 10K. 50X, 20Y, and I don't even know how much in Z but it's a butt load.

I paid 5500 for it and another 1600 to ship from CA to SD.

This was last summer when gas was out of control too. If you can devote the time just stalk Ebay with a vengence and have your cash in hand.

That's my two bits and it's worked well for me.

"Beware the fury of the patient man."
-John Dryden


Good luck!
 
PEI Rob said:
On a Bridgeport Vari speed, how does one reduce the overall height for shipping? Anyone know the overall height with the head tilted? Might be fun getting into my little shop.
Click to expand...


Two ways:

Pull the motor or rotate the head 90 and then brace with a wood block using the bed.

Moved many a milling machine this way during the "musical departments" game at Dakota/Nesika.

Pallet jacks rock!

Good luck.

C
 
I would go with a 50 inch table if you plan on fluting, I have a 42" table and it gets a little tight. A DRO is really nice to have on a mill I would figure it in on what you are willing to spend.
 
Done deal, in transport. Will update someday with pics.

Thanks,
Rob
 
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