Thread: Bickett #0 Horizontal Bench Mill $125 Conn CL

Saw this cute mill on Craigslist (Craigslist thinks that part of Connecticut belongs to New York):



Milling Machine - $125 (Redding, CT)
Date: 2010-02-10, 7:52PM EST
Reply to: sale-3vjcd-1595432788@craigslist.org

Antique Horizontal Bench Top Model
Bickett #0
24" Length
Flat Belt Drive

http://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/tls/1595432788.html

No connection to seller.

Steve

The Bickett Machine & Manufacturing Company of Cincinnati, Ohio was formed in 1915 when they purchased the old Eureka Foundry Company's plant. In 1916 they offered bench milling machines, including their "National" No. O hand miller, which could be the one here. They also made a No. O vertical milling and profiling machine that would be a cool "find.

Irby

It is hard to judge the scale from the photo but if it is really small - under 100 pounds, it would be a really nice display item. But, the novelty is the size and the coolness factor quickly fades into practical as the weight goes up.

It is a good photo by craig list standards.

Zero sounds small, but the pic looks heavy (like 3-500lbs)?

Originally Posted by peter

But, the novelty is the size and the coolness factor quickly fades into practical as the weight goes up.

Cool would be a whole fireplace mantle of jeweler's lathes. This is a bit too large for that.

I sent an email to Tony Griffiths, as he doesn't have any mention of this on lathes

Steve

Cope's book on milling machines mentions the company. I found the info on Google books. A 1927 ad mentions the table size being 3-1/2" x 16" or so (probably the working surface) - about the size of my Burke #4 mill - so your weight is probably close, Peter. Wouldn't hurt to contact the seller just in case, though. If I didn't "have a million" small Burkes already, I'd be tempted to ask you to go get it and hold it for me, Peter! But something tells me I'm in for enough static from my dear wife as it is when I return from your place this Spring, so I'll just sit and watch this one!

Irby

Cool would be a whole fireplace mantle of jeweler's lathes. This is a bit too large for that.

Yes, I have a jewelers lathe or some, but yet - I prefer something more along this size for a mantle display. There are some Zero mills this same size too. Again, my preference over the tiny, is just big enough to appreciate from a few feet away. Small enough to pick up and move and not collapse a coffee table or heavy book case/mantle.

A 400 pound, table top mill would be an excellent size machine for the right guy. I have a BP, for my practical size mill. I would not be that person. If, I thought this was a 100 pound machine, I would be all over it. But its not. It is an appealing machine both to look at and for use. Potential to adapt for small work.

That is a really interesting looking mill.

Originally Posted by peter

A 400 pound, table top mill would be an excellent size machine for the right guy.

The Pratt & Whitney 3C is only 180 pounds according to the brochure. Good for small work.

Steve

Hi Guys,
I bought this machine last saturday. It is not as small as it looks. Its stands about 24" tall and probably weighs about 250lbs+ . I was able to lift it out of my truck but just barely. It is just a little bigger than my Benchmaster. The guy I bought it from said he got it with a very old drill press and he said he thinks that it was on a overhead belt set up.

Anthony

Originally Posted by ntatap

Hi Guys,
I bought this machine last saturday. It is not as small as it looks.
Anthony

You do realise that the listing is gone ,
so you are obligated to put up good Pics!!
m1m

Peter
The picture in your post looks more like a shaper / planer??
What is it?
Thanks
Chuck

The pic I posted is a planer. Hand powered. The maker unknown although I see similarity to other builders. This is my smallest planer.

I think this makes a nice display size in the home setting - If you can get away with it

Here is a link to prior discussion:

Could this be a Wheeler Planer

Originally Posted by IrbyJones

The Bickett Machine & Manufacturing Company of Cincinnati, Ohio was formed in 1915 when they purchased the old Eureka Foundry Company's plant. In 1916 they offered bench milling machines, including their "National" No. O hand miller, which could be the one here. They also made a No. O vertical milling and profiling machine that would be a cool "find.

Irby

I acquired a Bickett No. 0 Vertical Milling machine a few months ago. I am just now beginning to look it over and see what I want to do with it.

I think that I would like to rebuild it and return it to as original condition as possible. It is not easy finding information on Bickett machines. Even Ken Cope's Milling Machine Book does not say much about them.

I will post some pictures soon. Appreciate any information that anyone may have on Bickett machines.