Looking for a mill upgrade, could use a little advice

[Skedaddle Shooter]

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?

I’ve found a good dealer but not a rebuilder. They get used equipment in from time to time so they are looking for me.

 

[hoz53]

I’ve found a good dealer but not a rebuilder. They get used equipment in from time to time so they are looking for me.

that sounds good.

 

[Sniperhandle]

I don't see how you can beat this machine for the value and the quality. It's Taiwan.

EISEN S-2A 9"x49" Milling Machine, 3HP w/ 2-Axis DRO, Free X-axis Powerfeed

S-2A Milling Machine Key Features 9" x 49" table R8 taper spindle 3 HP variable speed motor High precision angular contact bearings in spindle designed for both high precision and the ability to take thrust loads "Turcite-B" bearing material on way surfaces MEEHANITE casting: Fine grain, high...

eisenm.com

 

[Allen Corneau]

I don't see how you can beat this machine for the value and the quality. It's Taiwan.

EISEN S-2A 9"x49" Milling Machine, 3HP w/ 2-Axis DRO, Free X-axis Powerfeed

S-2A Milling Machine Key Features 9" x 49" table R8 taper spindle 3 HP variable speed motor High precision angular contact bearings in spindle designed for both high precision and the ability to take thrust loads "Turcite-B" bearing material on way surfaces MEEHANITE casting: Fine grain, high...

eisenm.com

View attachment 1723936

I could be wrong, but that looks to be the same manufacturer as this one from KBC Tools:

KBC,TUM-1VS 9x49 MILLING MACHINE,6-265-007,KBC Tools & Machinery

KBC,TUM-1VS 9x49 MILLING MACHINE,6-265-007,KBC Tools & Machinery

www.kbctools.com

 

[59FLH]

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?

Not all used Bridgeports need to be rebuilt, for $15k you should be able to find one that still has the flaking on the ways.

 

[wkdickinson]

First let me tell you I can't even pretend to be a machinist or a gunsmith, I am just a hobbyist hacker with a lathe. About a year ago I bought a Precision Mathews PM728VT, with their 3-axis factory installed DRO and x-axis power feed. I couldn't be happier with the machine. The quality and functionality are amazing (this model is made in Taiwan, not China). I can't foresee ever needing more capacity than this machine offers.

 

[Sniperhandle]

I could be wrong, but that looks to be the same manufacturer as this one from KBC Tools:

KBC,TUM-1VS 9x49 MILLING MACHINE,6-265-007,KBC Tools & Machinery

KBC,TUM-1VS 9x49 MILLING MACHINE,6-265-007,KBC Tools & Machinery

www.kbctools.com

Eisen is most of the time, The same machines that Precision Matthews offers in their "T" line, Which are mfg in Taiwan with Meehanite castings.

In the Machine you posted, There is no "M" at the center of the column indicating "Meehanite Castings, And it also doesn't include a dro or X-Axis power feed.

 

[jackieschmidt]

Eisen is most of the time, The same machines that Precision Matthews offers in their "T" line, Which are mfg in Taiwan with Meehanite castings.

In the Machine you posted, There is no "M" at the center of the column indicating "Meehanite Castings, And it also doesn't include a dro or X-Axis power feed.

These are also 3 phase current, which disqualifies it for many home shops.

 

[jackieschmidt]

First let me tell you I can't even pretend to be a machinist or a gunsmith, I am just a hobbyist hacker with a lathe. About a year ago I bought a Precision Mathews PM728VT, with their 3-axis factory installed DRO and x-axis power feed. I couldn't be happier with the machine. The quality and functionality are amazing (this model is made in Taiwan, not China). I can't foresee ever needing more capacity than this machine offers.

That’s probably what I am going to get for my home shop.
I can even do without the DRO’s. I like dials.

 

[Sniperhandle]

These are also 3 phase current, which disqualifies it for many home shops.

Not anymore Jackie, Most home shops prefer 3 phase now and use a vfd.

 

[xr650rRider]

Not the orientation you want but where I'd put my money.

 

[itchyTF]

I was able to get a 2 axis cnc bport 48” table with power drawbar, a Kurt vise and a swivel base from a reseller/rebuilder in CT and had it shipped to TN. Had a Harley I wasn’t using so I sold it and used the money for the mill. I think it was around $10k. I think the machine is an early to mid 80’s vintage, decent shape. Computer board was upgraded and the crt was replaced with a flat screen. CNC isn’t used too often but sure is handy (necessary!) at times. Try milling a smooth curved edge with the hand wheels!
Since it was already variable speed I chose an RPC to go with it.

 

[X Count]

The advice I got from dad was "I've always compromised and never really had what I needed, buy once, cry once and at very least you'll have a salable asset"

Ended up with a 48" Thai machine with nt40 5" diameter quill, box ways, 3 axis DRO and a heap of tooling for about $5.5k. Was an early 90s machine purchased new by a tool and die maker who got cancer and mothballed in in a shed and was virtually new. I don't use it a lot but it is nice to do a full stock in one setup or have the room to set up a vice down one end and leave room for odd clamped jobs on the other.

 

[Sniperhandle]

Not the orientation you want but where I'd put my money.

That's a very nice machine with factory installed vfd, It won't be too long and all lathes and mills will come standard with a vfd installed.

 

[RussellJ]

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

Clausing Industrial is another option, they do stock a lot of parts in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Clausing now owns Bridgeport, they purchased them about 1-1/2 years ago.
I own a Jet JVM836-1 small knee mill, purchase it in 2007 an added a 2-axis DRO. It's been a good machine for a home shop. I also have been looking for a larger mill, Clausing is located close to home however, Precision Matthews has a 5-Year Warranty compared to the Clausing 1-Year.

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[ridgeway]

Find a local machine rigging company that specializes in moving machines. They accumulate old machines being in and out of shops, schools, etc. You will be surprised how many shops/schools will give away old manual machines in trade for rigging services. I found my mill this way...I think I paid $1800 a few years ago. Its a tight machine with Mitutoyo DRO, Servo power feed, vise and rotary table. Only thing I added was a VFD and rebuilt the power feed. Someone cut the cord...I replaced some wear items inside while it was appart. Works for what I need it for.

 

[Kiwishooter]

That’s probably what I am going to get for my home shop.
I can even do without the DRO’s. I like dials.

For me the travels on that would be so limiting and even with a size increase the travels are still limiting
I have one of these at home which has a 31 x 9 1/2 table and approx 20 x 10 x 20 travels with a 40NT spindle taper and 3hp BLDC absolutely fantastic for a lot of things I do, but I am glad I've got access to a Bridgeport at work.
You would still have access to larger mills at work Jackie?