First Mill

Burke Millrite mills are very good machines. I am on my second one, and have no wish for any other in my shop. It is about 3/4 the size of a Bridgeport, and weighs about 1300-1400 pounds, compared to about 2200 pounds for a Series 1 Bridgeport. The Millrite is much more rigid than bench top mills, and better quality than Asian imports. It is also old and used, so that needs to be taken into account. From the one photo it appears to be in good condition, and well cared for, but unless you really know how to check out a mill for wear and damage, you should not attempt to buy one without a knowledgeable friend along to help you out. The difference between a great used mill and scrap iron is not usually visible to a novice, get help. Clean and shiny does not necessarily mean wonderful and dirty and grimy does not always mean junk. The asking price of $3500 is WAY too high, even here in the California industrial desert. $1500 might be more like it, IF it is in good operating condition, everything tight, working, and not seriously worn out. That one is three phase, so will require three phase power or the addition of a VFD, if not included in the deal. A VFD for that mill will cost ~$150-200.

Edit: If you cannot see it run and put it through its paces, you must assume it does not run, may have spindle and other problems, and proceed from there...
 
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Oh, and welcome to the forum! I am originally from Minnesota, Pipestone.
 
Thanks,
Pipestone's a nice little town down there. A couple hundred miles from me.
 
I agree with everything Bob said. Unless price is no object, you are not going to find the "perfect" mill. If you are posting here, price is a big consideration. Sooner or later you have to put some $$ down and get on with it. Tooling is another significant consideration. If the only tooling offered are those collets, then you are going to need some basic items to get you started (more $$).

What does the rest of your shop look like? Is this a good fit with what else you have and what you want to do?

I don't know if that machine has power quill feed (nice for boring) or a back gear (nice to have a very wide speed range - especially on the low end). I don't see any table feeds. It does not have the head "nod" (which I feel is a benefit to not have the nod feature). It does have the slide out ram (very nice). The 3 phase motor is nice - easy to make it variable (and give you a broader speed range).

As part of your learning, you will figure out what features you would really like to have (no doubt my list is going to be different than yours, or anyone else's).

Of course there is risk on your purchase. When you (or your estate) sell that machine on, you will get something for it - so the entire purchase price is not at risk. I don't really understand why, but many folks are glad to pay that much for a much inferior machine, just because it is new (and in a week it won't be new).

I got my Cinci real cheap because it was dirty, grimy and could not be tested. These machines, especially the older industrial machines are very tough and so designed that even with a bit of wear, can still give quite good results. Any machine can be trashed, but for the better quality machines, it takes some effort to destroy it - without being obvious.

You are learning. The purchase, set up and figuring out what this machine will do (and what you would like it to do) are all part of the eduction. I bought my first machine, a lathe that every one said was too much for a beginner, over 30 years ago for $9500. I probably paid $2500 too much. I have no regrets - it got me into an awsome hobby, I've learned a great deal. Looking back, I'm glad I jumped in with both feet. I have since bought 4 more primary machines and several smaller ones and all put together they don't add up to what I paid for that first one (that is all part of the learning). I still use that first lathe - a lot.

Do the best you can to check it out. Write back here and ask more questions. If all looks good, then make an offer that you can live with, but you don't mind walking away from (happy if you get it, a sigh of relief if you don't).

Regards, David
 
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It does not have a power quill feed (though it was an option), no table power feeds, and Millrites typically have 8 speeds from ~250-3440 rpm, though there were many options from the factory. A VFD would extend that, especially lower. No head nod. My first Millrite had the head nod, and I never used it once, beyond having to tram it in that direction. That first mill was also pretty worn out, but my second machine without nod is MUCH more rigid (but also in new condition.) I think it is a fair trade off to skip the nodding head on lighter machines, especially if you have no real plans to use it regularly. Even big K&T and Cincinnati mills often do not have nodding heads. There is a trade off there.
 
I also should mention that you are looking at a Powermatic Millrite there, not a Burke. Powermatic bought it in the late 60's IIRC. Same machine, changed to green color and racing stripes, changed the belt guard to meet OSHA requirements.
 
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I noticed that mill the other day on C.L. thought the price was high. But my search for a mill has led me to believe that here in Minnesota people list stuff very high in hopes someone will either bite or make an offer. For me with little experience to check out a used mill the thinking has turned to getting something new from a reputable company with the hope that the quality/ service are good. I would love to have that mill in my shop.
 
If your looking far a reputable company and new machine, I'd look at Precision Mathews Mills. The 932 looks to be a good one that a lot of people have had good things to say about them.
I ended up going with the Grizzly G0704. I didn't need a big Mill at the time.
Now though after a year, I am looking for a good used Bridgeport. But since I have this one I can wait until one comes up at a good price.
So, it all depends on what you plan to do with one and whether to get a small, medium or large one.
Price and shop space will make a big difference about what to get also.
 
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