Bridgeport Mill ??? Should I jump on this?

[dkhntr04]

Buy it! Get a VFD (variable Frequency Drive) for it to convert single to three phase. A VFD will also give you speed adjustment at the turn of a dial depending on which one you buy. You can get into a 2hp VFD for under $100.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

If you decide you don't like it let me know and I'll bring my trailer and $600 next weekend.

Here is an example of a 2hp Variable frequency drive. GS2-22P0
If you go on ebay and search for Huanyang you'll see some for around $100.

 

[Matt in Virginia]

fwiw,
Guys again I run a new, or bought new, $30K HAAS TL-2 Tool Room Lathe off of my Phase Perfect, which is a 10 HP, as well as my Mill. If I had $250 in the mill I'd absolutely go with a buzz box...fwiw & imho.

Regards, Matt.

 

[sandman2234]

fwiw,
Guys again I run a new, or bought new, $30K HAAS TL-2 Tool Room Lathe off of my Phase Perfect, which is a 10 HP, as well as my Mill. If I had $250 in the mill I'd absolutely go with a buzz box...fwiw & imho.

Regards, Matt.

Now that makes better sense....
Just to clarify this for the O/P, a buzz box can be a welder OR a static phase convertor. Both do "buzz" when in operation.
Although I have several "needs" for a Phase Perfect, the one recommended by them isn't cheap to run my other machines. Since my "needs" are strictly homeshop and hobbyist uses, the funding for it has never made it to the top of the list. The power draw from my Maho alone is 15hp and puts me at a more expensive 20 hp convertor. I make plans to move it the top of the list and then things like dental work and a 40% cut in pay at work move it back further down the list. Gotta love this economy!!
David from jax

 

[jmc]

Been awhile. Hope that mill didn't get away. At $250, the gate was wide open.

 

[HCJtractor]

Here's the latest. Seller is getting a divorce, and he just wanted it gone before he moves. However, soon to be ex-wife thinks it's worth more and wants her share, so price has gone up, but still seems like a steal. Details are it is a 1975 Series 1, 2 hp, series 2J head, 9x42" bed, 16" knee travel, and apparently in good shape. I still have not seen it but here is a picture.

I really don't need it as I just don't have a good place for it, and would have to run it off a Miller Bobcat gennie (if that is possible using a phase converter) but am thinking about buying it and selling it to make a few bucks.

What would I be able to sell it for at a reasonable decent price? What could I get for it if I sold it for a bargain price? Of course, I will have to move it and transport it.

 

[dkhntr04]

Location and condition is everything, rural areas long distances from major metro areas like where I am, Bridgeports go for a high price due to low local supply. If it is in good shape it would go for $3-4k in my neck of the woods.

 

[Mendonsy]

There's one on Ebay right now in similar condition for $2250.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

Go to Craigslist->tools and search for "milling" to see if there are any local comparable machines for sale.

Here is a deal on a static phase converter.
TEMCo XS3 Static Phase Converter PC0008 - HD 1 - 3 HP Mill Drill Saw MADE IN USA Single to three

 

[HCJtractor]

thanks for the info. I am going over to look at it tonight. Any advice on moving it? I have rented a truck with a 3500 lb lift gate. I am hoping to roll it onto the lift using 1/2 pipes as rollers. Is there a better way, assuming I don't have a fork lift? Any preparation or disassembly required for transport?

 

[Mendonsy]

I moved one a few years ago using pipe rollers. We winched it on to a tilt bed trailer using two cable pullers.
If you a going to use the lift gate be sure you have it secure so it can't roll off when you start lifting!!

 

[Danno1]

thanks for the info. I am going over to look at it tonight. Any advice on moving it? I have rented a truck with a 3500 lb lift gate. I am hoping to roll it onto the lift using 1/2 pipes as rollers. Is there a better way, assuming I don't have a fork lift? Any preparation or disassembly required for transport?

HCJ, post #6 covers transport prep.


.

 

[HCJtractor]

HCJ, post #6 covers transport prep.


.

THanks, I re-read that advice. How heavy is the head when I flip it over? I was told I can loosen the bolts, then flip it. Can one person hold and guide the head as it rotates? Is there a trick to that?

 

[kennyd]

If you Google "moving a bridgeport" there is hours of reading. I had to take mine apart to move it since it was in a basement and it was going into mine.

https://picasaweb.google.com/113966569709555812037/BridgeportPart1
https://picasaweb.google.com/113966569709555812037/BridgeportPart2

 

[cmore]

If u can get it on the lift gate, I think u sb ok. If u know the model, u might be able to find the weight of it on internet. Be sure and tie it down good. U don't want it moving or falling over.

I used pry bars to walk mine into position.

Be careful as u don't want it to fall over while loading or unloading. I had mine loaded with a fork lift and then I built a A frame to lift it and them pulled the trailer from underneath it.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Even at $1500 it would last as long as a June frost. Man I would love to have one for my 'future' shop. Would be in hog heaven with BP and 10" lathe.

 

[ultrarunner]

I moved mine with a heavy-duty lift gate on a flatbed... a friend had the truck so it worked out ok.

Make sure you have securely tied down... top and near the base.

If I had to move it now, probably would rent one of the "Kneeling Trailers"

The axle kicks out and lowers the deck to road height plus the lip.

Using pipe and pinch bars on concrete works well.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Some posts makes sense to some readers and perhaps not to others because we do not all have the same reference points.

As they say all we have TOTAL control of is our attitude unless we give others permission to control our attitude.

Social Media like rv.net can get interesting for sure.

 

[sal64]

yes there is a screw to screw it down there is a pin that pulles out that keeps it at 90 degrees you need to pull it out then screw it down, the head is heavey, i replaced the motor on one of mine one guy could just about handle it ,i would turn the head on its side raize the table and take head off then get 4 guys to lift it, then it also wount be top heavey, one thing to consider also depending on what you are going to do with the machine is the tooling collets, chuck vise endmills are expencive.

 

[cmore]

When I moved mine, I rotated the head so the spindle and head were parallel to the floor. Trying to lower the center of gravity for more stability.