Thanks Darren, I appreciate that you think I suck. 
The machine retains the capacity to be used in manual mode, or I probably wouldn't have bought it. The old Bridgeport is going to a local guy who can take it apart and scrape it in, back to like new. He's "sidecar850" on the PM site, and is well known for the meticulous work he does. I don't expect to get more than $250 for it.
When I called him to see if he'd be interested in the machine, he asked what I was getting to replace the Bridgeport. When I told him about this machine he piped in that he was a LOT closer and has a reconditioned Series 1 Bridgeport with similar control available for $7500. I chortled and told him what I was paying for this, and there was silence for a few seconds. "John?", I queried, and he just said "I'd have to do the same thing."
One does have to be careful with climb milling on ball screw machines, Steve. I'm well aware of the dangers and will be careful.
The machine retains the capacity to be used in manual mode, or I probably wouldn't have bought it. The old Bridgeport is going to a local guy who can take it apart and scrape it in, back to like new. He's "sidecar850" on the PM site, and is well known for the meticulous work he does. I don't expect to get more than $250 for it.
When I called him to see if he'd be interested in the machine, he asked what I was getting to replace the Bridgeport. When I told him about this machine he piped in that he was a LOT closer and has a reconditioned Series 1 Bridgeport with similar control available for $7500. I chortled and told him what I was paying for this, and there was silence for a few seconds. "John?", I queried, and he just said "I'd have to do the same thing."
One does have to be careful with climb milling on ball screw machines, Steve. I'm well aware of the dangers and will be careful.