- Joined
- May 3, 2017
- Messages
- 1,997
I have an opportunity to get a brand new '80's vintage Bridgeport milling machine. No, really. 'Brand new'. It's still sitting on its shipping pallet in the original purchaser's controlled environment warehouse and has never even been plugged in. Doesn't even have a plug on the end of the wire. The owner said it is equipped with a 2HP motor. That's a bit of a curiosity to me - I would have thought 3HP, but that's a guess on my part.
But there's a catch (duh). It was originally purchased with a 'tracer attachment' that is still on the machine. I'm not totally certain what that is other than to know that it's evidently obsolete. I've been told it was a pre-computer/electronic option that allowed for assembly-line style milling repeatability.
So here are the questions.
1. How difficult is it to remove the taper attachment? And will it be necessary to procure anything to reattach in order for the machine to be operational?
2. What's it worth? It's 'new' - literally; but it's also old. And a gamble. The guy has a good reputation, but after sitting that long, who knows if the motor is any good. Not to mention that quite literally ALL peripherals will need to be added - DRO, power feeds, etc.
Would love some input from some of our seasoned veterans.
Regards
But there's a catch (duh). It was originally purchased with a 'tracer attachment' that is still on the machine. I'm not totally certain what that is other than to know that it's evidently obsolete. I've been told it was a pre-computer/electronic option that allowed for assembly-line style milling repeatability.
So here are the questions.
1. How difficult is it to remove the taper attachment? And will it be necessary to procure anything to reattach in order for the machine to be operational?
2. What's it worth? It's 'new' - literally; but it's also old. And a gamble. The guy has a good reputation, but after sitting that long, who knows if the motor is any good. Not to mention that quite literally ALL peripherals will need to be added - DRO, power feeds, etc.
Would love some input from some of our seasoned veterans.
Regards