I am looking at buying a round-ram Bridgeport mill and am seeking advice before purchase. I am on the fence about buying this machine or holding out for a mill with a dovetail-ram. We have never had any heavy industry here and so machining equipment is few and far between. This mill is in pretty good shape with a small amount of ware in the x axis ways and feeds but nothing I can’t live with. It comes with has a J head, a shaping head, and factory power feed and the price is reasonable for this area.
What are the drawbacks of buying a round-ram instead of a dovetail-ram. I would imagine it would be a little less ridged and can not take as heavy a cut. I mostly do forge work so the mill will be used for repairing forging equipment, making dies, and tooling. The mill will not get regular uses so I don’t think I will be missing out to much by not having the dovetail-ram. Any input or opinions would be welcomed.
What are the drawbacks of buying a round-ram instead of a dovetail-ram. I would imagine it would be a little less ridged and can not take as heavy a cut. I mostly do forge work so the mill will be used for repairing forging equipment, making dies, and tooling. The mill will not get regular uses so I don’t think I will be missing out to much by not having the dovetail-ram. Any input or opinions would be welcomed.