Going to look at a Bridgeport what to look for.

mark_b · Jul 13, 2021

It has a H.Q.T Power head conversion on it with a 3 hp 3 phase motor. It has DRO and power feed left to right.
I only have single phase. They are asking 3500 for it. Is that good or bad?
Right now I do CNC plasma. I know nothing about machining.

I make a trenching bucket I want to use the to make the tabs with two 30mm holes they need to me within 1/2mm
I use a mag drill for them now.

Rob F. · Jul 13, 2021

Look to see if they just put that head on a clapped out old machine.
Check leadscrew backlash at the center and at the ends, this wil tell you how badly the screws are worn, and if the nut can be adjusted to take it up.
Look at the condition of the "ways" deep scratches or no sign of scrapeing could be a concern.
Is the head quiet at all speeds?
Does the oiler have oil in it? No oil would be bad- how long has it been ran without oil. Does the oil seem to go where it needs to? (do this before turning the handles)
Power feed and dro probably work, good to check that, try powerfeed at different speeds.
What tooling comes with it? Any?
Is that a short table?
If all is in good condition price might be fair, based on Ca pricing, cant help too much for your area.
I am sure there is more....

mark_b · Jul 13, 2021

Thanks for the reply. No tooling this machine shop bought package deal form I think a collage.
I will find out about the oiler. I am going to look at it later today so I can find out more then.

Rob F. · Jul 13, 2021

Dont ask them about it (oiler), just check it for oil when you get there. As long a something comes out it is probably fine, dont expect it to be full, closer to empty is what I would expect. It just can not be bone dry.

bsg · Jul 13, 2021

mark_b said:
It has a H.Q.T Power head conversion on it with a 3 hp 3 phase motor. It has DRO and power feed left to right.
I only have single phase. They are asking 3500 for it. Is that good or bad?
Right now I do CNC plasma. I know nothing about machining.

I make a trenching bucket I want to use the to make the tabs with two 30mm holes they need to me within 1/2mm
I use a mag drill for them now.
View attachment 324531
View attachment 324532
View attachment 324530

Keep looking, way overpriced!
Looks like they just put a crappy head on a worn out 70's mill?

Kevin

mark_b · Jul 13, 2021

I just talked to them and I does have a little tooling. Servo power feed and the DRO unit is not very old.
I am going to see it at 1:30

gustafson · Jul 13, 2021

Looks to have been a gearbox power feed or maybe those later bridgeport feeds also had the extended leadscrew

Taiwan/Chinese head, not a good sign. Not that it is definitely junk but first, why? Abuse? Second future repair.

mark_b · Jul 13, 2021

I was told the put the variable speed head on it for teaching so they could adjust the speed as they are showing work.

BobM3 · Jul 13, 2021

Move the tables to the extremes and the middle. Without locking them see if the tables yaw (twist them about a vertical axis) at each point. If they yaw more at one point then the ways aren't uniformly worn along the length and may need some work.

mark_b · Jul 13, 2021

BobM3 said:
Move the tables to the extremes and the middle. Without locking them see if the tables yaw (twist them about a vertical axis) at each point. If they yaw more at one point then the ways aren't uniformly worn along the length and may need some work.

I will do this thanks for the advice.

BT Fabrication · Jul 13, 2021

the plasma won't keep it within 30 thou? must be worn out. other then that, go laser or waterjet or high def plasma for accuracy and efficiency sake. pins need a little slop anyways. doesnt need to be crazy or they dont come out. most have 0.008" on a 2" pin clearance, basically room for grease.

HWElecRepair · Jul 13, 2021

mark_b said:
I just talked to them and I does have a little tooling. Servo power feed and the DRO unit is not very old.
I am going to see it at 1:30

Ya, thats an ancient Mitutoyo DRO and the powerfeed is at least 5 years old or so.

I wouldnt say walk away from it at the price it is, but you can buy better machines for that cost.

Jon

mark_b · Jul 13, 2021

You get some taper with plasma.

mark_b · Jul 13, 2021

He has this one for sale also. 4500
ACRA milling machine came from a school same lot.

Does this look like a better machine?

202545291_4253485241374200_5869174518798875002_n (1).jpg

mark_b · Jul 13, 2021

one more of the power feed.

kenscabs · Jul 13, 2021

Depending on the quantity of the parts you're making a jig/fixture with an annular cutter might be the way to go. Doesn't take up any real estate in the shop with one.

kenton · Jul 13, 2021

The second mill looks like a better fit for making trenching buckets with it's larger table. It seems rather steeply priced if it doesn't have much tooling.

On the other hand if you need a mill to make your product faster and/or better it probably isn't worst deal, assuming it isn't worn out.

Rob F. · Jul 13, 2021

kenton said:
The second mill looks like a better fit for making trenching buckets with it's larger table. It seems rather steeply priced if it doesn't have much tooling.

On the other hand if you need a mill to make your product faster and/or better it probably isn't worst deal, assuming it isn't worn out.

You could run it off a VFD and get your three phase and variable speed at the same time. Price does seem high...

mark_b · Jul 13, 2021

I went to look with a trailer and cash in hand.

The bridge port dove tails were not in the best shape and the aftermarket head made me nervous. But it ran well.

The other mill looked really nice dove tails were very nice. It ran well the auto feed was not kicking out on its own I think I could fix it.
$4200 and I fixed it I offered $4200 with him fixing it but he no. I will keep looking.

I ordered a second mag drill I am going to build a pocketed fixture to hold two mag drills and drop in the tabs.
That way the drills do not move for all the parts. I try this and keep looking for a better deal.
Thanks for all the input it needs to be the right fit because these are a lot of work to put in the shop and get setup.

mark_b · Jul 13, 2021

kenscabs said:
Depending on the quantity of the parts you're making a jig/fixture with an annular cutter might be the way to go. Doesn't take up any real estate in the shop with one.

This is what I am going to try I ordered a second mag drill and will build a fixture for the drills and the part.

Going to look at a Bridgeport what to look for.

Aluminum

Diamond

Aluminum

Diamond

Titanium

Aluminum

Diamond

Aluminum

Cast Iron

Aluminum

Titanium

Hot Rolled

Aluminum

Aluminum

Aluminum

Cast Iron

Stainless

Diamond

Aluminum

Aluminum

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