Looking for a mill upgrade, could use a little advice

[Skedaddle Shooter]

Hi Fellas,

When I first got started in acquiring tools and machines to try to build my own rifles, I of course had no idea what I was doing. After a few years of reading I settled on the Precision Matthew’s 1440GT for the lathe and one of their PM-833TV. I’m fairly happy with the lathe. My timing in ordering it was perfect as usual. As soon as it came in they started offing the VFD which given the choice I would have ordered. The mill is another matter. It is a bench mill with a stand. It does have variable speed, which I like and a nice three axis DRO. The things I don’t like about it is the motor drive on the x axis replaces the handle, which won’t allow manual feed from the left side and the VFD drive is mounted on the head and makes the visibility horrible. I’ve been getting along fine with it for three years but this fall our community college offered a manual machining course for the first time and I took it. We got to use a Bridgeport knee mill and it was so much better than my PM.
So now, finally to my question. I’ve been looking at upgrading to a knee mill. I’ve been reading and looking on line and there are a few Bridgeport clones that are available and have decent reviews.
Have any of you experienced smiths or machinists use any of the Taiwanese clones(ACER, Alliant or ACRA) and what were your thoughts on them.
Sorry for the lengthy post, thanks in advance,
Joe

 

[Alan Warner]

alliant are very good . Robert E Moris sent a bport to Tiawan when bport shut his sales agreement down . The resulting Aliant clone was and is better and at the time less expensive.

 

[Skedaddle Shooter]

I have read that, thank you for the response.
Joe

 

[Bronsin]

Our shop bought a used ACER to take the place of our drill press. It had a 2 axis DRO on it, and we installed one on the quill. It's been a very good machine and would be a big step up from anything that's bench mounted. It's even been able to endure a few of the cavemen in our shop that have no business operating it.

 

[B Nettesheim]

A Bridgeport is just fine for this type of work, we’re mostly using it as a glorified drill press anyway. It doesn’t require crazy tolerances and they can be bought inexpensively

 

[WSnyder]

Are you looking to buy new or used? A Lagun in good shape is a great machine to put on the used list.

 

[hoz53]

Hi Fellas,

When I first got started in acquiring tools and machines to try to build my own rifles, I of course had no idea what I was doing. After a few years of reading I settled on the Precision Matthew’s 1440GT for the lathe and one of their PM-833TV. I’m fairly happy with the lathe. My timing in ordering it was perfect as usual. As soon as it came in they started offing the VFD which given the choice I would have ordered. The mill is another matter. It is a bench mill with a stand. It does have variable speed, which I like and a nice three axis DRO. The things I don’t like about it is the motor drive on the x axis replaces the handle, which won’t allow manual feed from the left side and the VFD drive is mounted on the head and makes the visibility horrible. I’ve been getting along fine with it for three years but this fall our community college offered a manual machining course for the first time and I took it. We got to use a Bridgeport knee mill and it was so much better than my PM.
So now, finally to my question. I’ve been looking at upgrading to a knee mill. I’ve been reading and looking on line and there are a few Bridgeport clones that are available and have decent reviews.
Have any of you experienced smiths or machinists use any of the Taiwanese clones(ACER, Alliant or ACRA) and what were your thoughts on them.
Sorry for the lengthy post, thanks in advance,
Joe

i am in the same boat as youand my #1 preferance is to get an original Jhead bridgeport— there are companies in the US who rebuild them and have the all parts for them. i purchased a grizzly and 1440gt partly because i could get parts- i havent needed any yet but in recent years some peope have waited long periods to get parts from overseas putting their machine out of commission for months.

 

[tobnpr]

For a Taiwanese machine, don't forget about Sharp...

 

[LVLAaron]

Why not keep it in the family and explore a PM knee mill?

 

[liljoe]

First question is what is the budget?

Joe

 

[10XSHOOTER]

I bought a Sharp on a on-line Auction. It's a 1986 model with a DRO.
Paid $1800.00 for it.
Had to remove a wall to get it into my shop.

 

[Walt Krafft]

Look at H&W Machine. Great people that rebuild Bridgeports and sell parts and accessories.

 

[jackieschmidt]

I have three Bridgeport style mills at my business, varying in size.

For my home shop I am probably going to get a little Column Mill instead of a Knee Mill..
Weight, and space is a concern and any of the small Column Mills in the $7000 to $9000 range will do anything I could ever imagine for my hobby needs.

 

[Skedaddle Shooter]

Are you looking to buy new or used? A Lagun in good shape is a great machine to put on the used list.

Hi,
I have been looking for a rebuilt Bridgeport from a reputable rebuilder, but they are all on the east coast as far as I can see and I’m on the west coast. So shipping is a problem. I’d look at the 10-15k range for a super clean used mill with the DRO, power feed on the X axis and a few accessories. That budget looks like it can get me a very clean Bridgeport or a Taiwanese new mill?

 

[Skedaddle Shooter]

i am in the same boat as youand my #1 preferance is to get an original Jhead bridgeport— there are companies in the US who rebuild them and have the all parts for them. i purchased a grizzly and 1440gt partly because i could get parts- i havent needed any yet but in recent years some peope have waited long periods to get parts from overseas putting their machine out of commission for months.

I’ve been looking for a rebuilt Bridgeport from a reputable rebuilder as well. My problem is I live on the west coast and most of the rebuilders I have found that use more than a spray can are back east.
Thanks
Joe

 

[Skedaddle Shooter]

For a Taiwanese machine, don't forget about Sharp...

I should add them to the list, thanks

 

[Skedaddle Shooter]

Why not keep it in the family and explore a PM knee mill?

When I’ve had a few follow up contacts with PM they seemed a little short staffed and didn’t always have the best answers to my questions. I’m not ruling them out, I’d also like the feedback from the experienced smiths on any Taiwanese import or where to find a rebuilder for the Bridgeports in the western states.

 

[Skedaddle Shooter]

Look at H&W Machine. Great people that rebuild Bridgeports and sell parts and accessories.

Look at H&W Machine. Great people that rebuild Bridgeports and sell parts and accessories.

Thanks Walt, I’ll contact them. They’re in IN. So shipping might be better.

 

[Skedaddle Shooter]

I have three Bridgeport style mills at my business, varying in size.

For my home shop I am probably going to get a little Column Mill instead of a Knee Mill..
Weight, and space is a concern and any of the small Column Mills in the $7000 to $9000 range will do anything I could ever imagine for my hobby needs.

Hi Jackie,
If I might look into changing out the power feed on the X axis so I can have a hand wheel for manual feed on the left side and relocating the VFD so I can see the left side of the table. That would solve my two biggest gripes about the mill.
Joe

 

[hoz53]

Thanks Walt, I’ll contact them. They’re in IN. So shipping might be better.

H&W are 50 miles from me. a quaity outfit not doubt. if i was west coast i would think there would be some equipment dealers ? no?