Hi Everyone,
I have searched and read but haven't had much luck finding answers to my questions.
I am interested in purchasing a Bridgeport vertical knee mill, but I don't understand enough about the various models to be able to make an educated buying decision. When it does come time to look at a machine and to make the decision, I will have knowledgeable friends with me who can look the machine over. But in the mean time, I would like to be able to do the legwork myself and to track down the correct machine before involving my friends. Thus I need to understand the differences between the models.
I am hoping some of you gurus will answer some questions and offer some advice.
1) I have seen references to series I and series II models. What is the difference?
2) I have also seen references to the "J" head. What different types of heads are there and which head do you recommend? I have been told to stay away from the variable models and to go with a model with pulley adjustments because they are more reliable.
3) I assume more horsepower is better. Are the 1 1/2 horsepower models sufficient for everything a guy might want to do with the machine?
4) Is there a range of years to stay away from those models?
5) What questions should I ask the seller?
I know that I want a DRO and a table with power feed and power lift. Anything else you suggest?
How does a CNC bridgeport compare to a CNC milling center? As a computer programmer, I can see the value of CNC so as to be able to duplicate parts. Other than an automated tool changer with the milling center, are there other huge differences between the two?
Thanks,
Dave
I have searched and read but haven't had much luck finding answers to my questions.
I am interested in purchasing a Bridgeport vertical knee mill, but I don't understand enough about the various models to be able to make an educated buying decision. When it does come time to look at a machine and to make the decision, I will have knowledgeable friends with me who can look the machine over. But in the mean time, I would like to be able to do the legwork myself and to track down the correct machine before involving my friends. Thus I need to understand the differences between the models.
I am hoping some of you gurus will answer some questions and offer some advice.
1) I have seen references to series I and series II models. What is the difference?
2) I have also seen references to the "J" head. What different types of heads are there and which head do you recommend? I have been told to stay away from the variable models and to go with a model with pulley adjustments because they are more reliable.
3) I assume more horsepower is better. Are the 1 1/2 horsepower models sufficient for everything a guy might want to do with the machine?
4) Is there a range of years to stay away from those models?
5) What questions should I ask the seller?
I know that I want a DRO and a table with power feed and power lift. Anything else you suggest?
How does a CNC bridgeport compare to a CNC milling center? As a computer programmer, I can see the value of CNC so as to be able to duplicate parts. Other than an automated tool changer with the milling center, are there other huge differences between the two?
Thanks,
Dave