"old" vs "new" date range?

[CLSegraves1]

Hi everyone,

I'm "new" to the site but have been reading around here for quite some time.

I recently (today) upgraded from an old (1947) round ram, M-head, 1/2 hp 120 volt machine to this 2J machine. Looking at the casting number (BR-195226), it seems to have been built in 1978.

I've always been told that the "old" Bridgeports were "better" (heavier) than the "new" Bridgeports, but I'm not sure where that cutoff/changeover occurs. Is mine an "old" or "new"? Either way, I'm ecstatic and can't wait to install a VFD so I can get to using it.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[mmcmdl]

That'll do the job . Congrats on the BP .

Oh …………...and welcome to the site !

 

[hwelecrepair]

I know that at least the heads in the later 90s got made not here in the USA for at least a short time. Personally, I consider only things back in actual Bridgeport days as actual Bridgeports. Hardinge BPs are different in my eyes, so what.. early 2000s?

Jon