I have spent some time searching the forums and can't really find a good thread that speaks to this, so I will ask. I am truly looking for good solid opinions on this and apologize if it is a re-hashed question. Also, it appeared as if the general forum was a better place for this than the reconditioning/scraping forum, but moderators feel free to move the thread if that isn't the case.
So I have a mid 80's vintage Lagun FTV-1 that I have about 1k in. It has a new DRO and otherwise is getting very worn. Ways are worn to the point the scraping is gone in the middle. The gibs are out of adjustment and it is starting to get easier and easier to move table almost to the point I am getting afraid of climb milling. The head is slightly noisy only when adjusting speed, but not horrible. The table is in average used condition with dents and such, but no milling or drilling holes. I use this every day I am in the shop (30-50hrs per week) building 1911/2011 pistols.
It has served me well for what I have in it and I really like the mill. The one requirement here is that I don't have time to take on a two week or longer project. I work full time and run the shop almost full time on my days off. I have no problem spending money on this as it is a necessity for my business. My question is, should I:
1. Keep the mill and have it professionally rebuilt/re-conditioned. (I have a small cnc I can use while it's gone)
2. Just replace leadscrews/nuts and fab new gibs and take my chances on the head.
3. Scrap/sell/trade in the Lagun and buy a new Sharp.
4. Scrap/sell the Lagun and look for a good used mill (every machine I own was bought used).
Just curious what the experienced folks on the forum have to say. Thanks in advance.
So I have a mid 80's vintage Lagun FTV-1 that I have about 1k in. It has a new DRO and otherwise is getting very worn. Ways are worn to the point the scraping is gone in the middle. The gibs are out of adjustment and it is starting to get easier and easier to move table almost to the point I am getting afraid of climb milling. The head is slightly noisy only when adjusting speed, but not horrible. The table is in average used condition with dents and such, but no milling or drilling holes. I use this every day I am in the shop (30-50hrs per week) building 1911/2011 pistols.
It has served me well for what I have in it and I really like the mill. The one requirement here is that I don't have time to take on a two week or longer project. I work full time and run the shop almost full time on my days off. I have no problem spending money on this as it is a necessity for my business. My question is, should I:
1. Keep the mill and have it professionally rebuilt/re-conditioned. (I have a small cnc I can use while it's gone)
2. Just replace leadscrews/nuts and fab new gibs and take my chances on the head.
3. Scrap/sell/trade in the Lagun and buy a new Sharp.
4. Scrap/sell the Lagun and look for a good used mill (every machine I own was bought used).
Just curious what the experienced folks on the forum have to say. Thanks in advance.