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+--- Forum: Milling Machines (http://www.metalworkingfun.com/forum-12.html)
+--- Thread: Looking At A Bigger Mill (/thread-2649.html)
RE: Looking At A Bigger Mill - Charles Spencer - 06-04-2015
(06-04-2015, 05:20 AM)EdK Wrote: Vinny got it right.
I'm going to keep looking for a full sized, used mill until mid-August. If I haven't found anything by then I'm going with the Precision Matthews PM-935 mill.
Ed
I looked for a whole year - nada. I broke down and ordered a mini mill from Harbor Freight for $531. The day after it arrived I found this on Craigslist:
"Bridgeport Milling Machine - Glastonbury (CT) $600
Bridgeport "M" head machine. Tables are tight. Motor converted to single phase 120 volt variable speed. Great condition."
(expletive deleted)
Charles
RE: Looking At A Bigger Mill - PixMan - 06-05-2015
Hey Charles Spencer, where in MA are you? Are we close? I'm in.....Spencer. LOL
I'm subscribed to some Public Auctions thing and milling machines come up every few weeks, or months at most. They don't always sell cheap, though every now & then you can snag a decent one for under $1000. Here's one that came up today:
http://www.publicsurplus.com/sms/auction/view?auc=1372060
RE: Looking At A Bigger Mill - Charles Spencer - 06-06-2015
(06-05-2015, 05:55 AM)PixMan Wrote: Hey Charles Spencer, where in MA are you? Are we close? I'm in.....Spencer. LOL
I'm subscribed to some Public Auctions thing and milling machines come up every few weeks, or months at most. They don't always sell cheap, though every now & then you can snag a decent one for under $1000. Here's one that came up today:
http://www.publicsurplus.com/sms/auction/view?auc=1372060
So do I. I noticed that "Spencer" is exactly as long as my last name. It also shares the following letters in the same positions:
S - - n - e r
So just like Marlon Brando in "The Godfather", I took my screen name from my home town.
RE: Looking At A Bigger Mill - zmotorsports - 06-11-2015
Ed, I am new here but just read through your thread seeing that you are considering a PM935 milling machine from Precision Mathews. I have a PM935TV and love it. I have had it close to a year now and bought it as a package deal from Matt @ Precision Mathews along with a PM1340GT. Both machines are of Taiwanese origin and I can speak for the overall quality of the machine and the fit and finish to be excellent. Much better than what mainland China is currently producing and I would say it rivals much of the Japanese equipment.
I don't even think I would mess with restoring or rebuilding a clapped out Bridgeport after my experience with this particular machine.
The body size is a 2/3 Bridgeport but with a 3hp full-featured head, which I am sure you already know. The 12"x24" X and Y travel is adequate for my work envelope. Unless you routinely work on large items I don't think you will outgrow the size.
My shop is a bit cramped working on automotive and motorcycles as well as anything else that comes through the door so size was important. Had I not been limited I would have loved to have purchased a 9x49 or 10x54 from Matt as they both are from the same factory in Taiwan and have the same fit and finish from what I am told.
Mike.
RE: Looking At A Bigger Mill - EdK - 06-11-2015
Thanks a lot for the information Mike. It's good to hear the experiences from someone that owns that mill. Now I'm less concerned about getting one. I have read a few reviews about it and so far all I've read has been positive.
Ed
RE: Looking At A Bigger Mill - DaveH - 06-11-2015
C'on Ed take the plunge you know you want it
DaveH
RE: Looking At A Bigger Mill - EdK - 06-11-2015
(06-11-2015, 06:53 PM)DaveH Wrote: C'on Ed take the plunge you know you want it
DaveH
It may happen sooner than later Dave. We get our annual bonus in a couple of weeks and it might be enough to push me over the edge and bite the bullet.
Ed
RE: Looking At A Bigger Mill - PixMan - 06-11-2015
(06-11-2015, 06:57 PM)EdK Wrote:(06-11-2015, 06:53 PM)DaveH Wrote: C'on Ed take the plunge you know you want it
DaveH
It may happen sooner than later Dave. We get our annual bonus in a couple of weeks and it might be enough to push me over the edge and bite the bullet.
Ed
Seeing the nice one our new member zmotorsport has posted, I would think that might whet your appetite.
Go for it Ed. You only live once. No one should die with money in pocket saying "I wish I'd bought xxx years ago."
RE: Looking At A Bigger Mill - Mayhem - 06-12-2015
Yep - treat yourself Ed.
RE: Looking At A Bigger Mill - zmotorsports - 06-12-2015
(06-11-2015, 04:49 PM)EdK Wrote: Thanks a lot for the information Mike. It's good to hear the experiences from someone that owns that mill. Now I'm less concerned about getting one. I have read a few reviews about it and so far all I've read has been positive.
Ed
Ed, I also have a video review of the PM935TV on my youtube channel if you want to check it out. It may answer any questions you may have. If not feel free to ask and maybe I can answer them. I say "maybe" because I have only had the mill for just south of a year now, but I would be willing to take a stab and any question(s) you may have.
Mike.