K&T universal mill

[DAM 79]

Hello everyone so I have found a K&T mill for sale that is somewhat close to where I live and I’m hoping to be able to go and look at it later this week and was wondering if there’s anything I really need to look out for with these mills ?? I’ve never run one or seen one in person it comes with tooling and two vertical heads and is under power
Thanks

 

[sdelivery]

There are so many things But a few are....
Inside the spindle where the tool holder sits. Look for damage from dirt and chips being caught between the holder and spindle.
Fluid level in the knee. I Believe this to be a hydraulic knee, no oil or obvious oil leakage promises a repair.
All ways wear, look for scoring. wear is normal. scoring shows a lack of care
Blown up electrical panel.
Does it look like it has thrown up wiring?
someone has been in "troubleshooting" if you can see it run it might not be a problem but look for " jumpers" peices of wire that eliminate part of the electrical circuit, as a "repair"

 

[DAM 79]

Ok thanks I was going to take some indicators with me and a piece of stock and run the machine and see how it cuts I have two other mills ( Bridgeport J Head , VanNorman 3R-10) and need this like I need a hole in my head but when a good deal presents it’s self my father always said to jump on it before someone else does and the price is right unless it’s really worn out or has some major problems by the pics it looks to be in pretty clean and has some tool holders and the two vertical heads and this mill is the 2H with the universal table
Here are some pics and like I said the price is right if there are no major problems

 

[Martin W]

If its wired up make sure you can see oil running thru the sight glass on the side . Engage all feeds and listen for bearing noise or broken gear teeth. Check the rapid traverse. Be prepared for a large bucket of sludge in the base from old coolant.
Good luck
Cheers
Matin

 

[Martin W]

Pictures look good, and you said the price is right. Hope you can get it. Probably weighs 3500-4000 pounds but they roll easy on some 3/4" black pipe.
Some of the Gurney bearings and New Departure bearings are hard to get.
Martin

 

[brino]

I have always like the look of those machines. So very stout!

another quick "no tools" check is just looking at the backlash in the table feed screws.
turn a table feed handle one way until the table moves, then note the dial and slowly start turning the handle the other way until the table moves again....... just a quick way of understanding/estimating the lead-screw or feed-nut wear.

-brino

 

[Beckerkumm]

Have you gone through the literature at vintage machinery.org? There is some detail there including about the vertical heads. See if there is a parking attachment and be sure the drive gears are there. they are more rare than the heads and worth the price of the mill on the used market. There isn't much risk at that price as parts are always in demand for these machines. Looks too nice for a parts machine though. Dave

 

[DAM 79]

Pictures look good, and you said the price is right. Hope you can get it. Probably weighs 3500-4000 pounds but they roll easy on some 3/4" black pipe.
Some of the Gurney bearings and New Departure bearings are hard to get.
Martin

Wherever it’s located they have a way to move and load and I have a trailer to haul it and a forklift to unload my problem is space I need a bigger shop !!!! It will probably go to my brothers or fathers for a little while till I can make more room and I may also have a opportunity to get another Monarch lathe to I’ll know about that the end of the week it is really close to me and I kissed it by 30 mins

 

[DAM 79]

Have you gone through the literature at vintage machinery.org? There is some detail there including about the vertical heads. See if there is a parking attachment and be sure the drive gears are there. they are more rare than the heads and worth the price of the mill on the used market. There isn't much risk at that price as parts are always in demand for these machines. Looks too nice for a parts machine though. Dave

I will do that tonight when I get home and that’s what I though if nothing else the parts and tooling because I think some stuff will work with my other mill

 

[Beckerkumm]

There should be a second arbor support as well. It doesn't look like there is a lead attachment and they are really rare but also worth more than the machine. Dave