[rick-in-seattle]

Does anyone have or use a "bridgeport style" mill?
I am thinking of buying one, my only real limitation is the weight and how I will move it.
I ran several mills and CNC's before becoming an inspector, but it has been a while and I can't decide what to buy.

I like the small Mill-Drills for their size and weight (about 600 lbs), but I don't know how well the quill bearings will hold up to milling.

My main use will be machining annealed carving tools; which is fairly light work.

Thanks, Rick

[mdallensr]

Riack, we use "Bridgeports" in our machine shop at work, but most of the new machines are other makes. I'm guessing you're looking for a small and simple millling machine, maybe like the ones Enco sells. Mike

[rick-in-seattle]

Mike, this is the one I was looking at:
http://www.woodstockint.com/Products/M1007/
I like the 2 hp motor and the 20-2500 rpm speed range.

But I can choose from any of these:
http://www.woodstockint.com/ShopFoxMachinery/60000013/
Weight and mobility are the main concerns, I would also prefer 110 volt.

[mdallensr]

It looks pretty sturdy. I don't think it has power feed on the table, but that probably adds a lot to the cost. We had an old Bridgeport that we upgraded with a digital read-out power feed on the table that was about $1,000. The last new machining center we bought was about $35,000. It's not much more than a glorified Bridgeport and it weighs a couple of tons. I think you've got the right idea, since it is a milling machine, not just a fancy drill press. I'll ask my maintenance manager for his opinion; they always have lots of them. Good luck. Mike

[dryheat]

Rick,
I have the Jet version of that machine ca. 1985. As I’m sure you know the tooling for these can get rather expensive. I used mine for accurizing pistols and revolvers for Bullseye shooting and was always able to do the precision work needed for that as long as I was careful with he backlash, kept the gibs tight, and checked my setup. A lot of manufactures now sell auto feed and digital readouts for them. I found the speed range to be useful as some of those old 1911-A1 slides and frames were quite hard. Mine was in my garage in Phoenix and we moved it to a basement when we moved to Vermont. They are heavy but both times I was able to borrow an engine hoist and I’m sure that saved much back ache.
There are many CNC machines now that are quite small and compact but not near the fun the old guys are.
Good luck, Ed

[decoycarve]

Rick,
Due to both weight and size I decided on a three in one. Yes it's an import. After I got it cleaned up adjusted in leveled and everything indicated in its not bad. I replaced the spindle bearings about two months after I got it. Took the cheap bearings out and put MRC's in there and have had no trouble since. You can't take a big cut or do fast feed rates like I can on the bridgeport at work. I have found the machine enjoyable to use and forces me to take my time. Mine is a Grizzly G9729. If you don't already have tooling it gets expensive quick. I have more tied up Vises Mics Calipers indicators parrallels cutters----- and the list goes on, than I do in the machine.
Goody

[rick-in-seattle]

Thanks for the information, I still have my Gerstner toolbox full of precision tools. Same as picture except it's made of walnut.

I expect the tooling will cost a pretty penny, but since these machines come with the standard R-8 taper, I may find used tooling available.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Geez Rick...that Gerstner costs as much as a milling machine lol......and by the way, you are always so busy, waddaya gonna do just "milling around" all day?