Bridgeport with a head-based X-axis?

[christiaan]

Folks,

I'm really new to Bridgeport style milling machines but I've never seen one like this. It seems like the head is mounted to what looks like another table that would allow x-axis positioning of the head?! Or, I guess the attachment of multiple tools to the head. Any thoughts on this? It's listed for $2000, near me.

 

[mmcmdl]

That's a tracer mill .

We had and used one way back when , I thought it was called a linomatic or something close to that .

 

[christiaan]

Thanks mmcmdl, I did a quick google and I think I understand it's function. The question now is, can it be used like a regular bridgeport for manual milling? The turn-handles seem promising, but I assume that all they would do is actuate hydraulic fluid to move the table around...

 

[talvare]

One limitation that I see is that you can not nod the head. This feature may or may not be important to you. Just an FYI.

Ted