05-16-2015, 06:23 AM
Congratulations on the new toy! And on being so stealthy. 
This is far more machine than you currently have, in so many ways. The best part is the bargain you got. In talking with you over the past few years and seeing the evidence, ANY worthwhile machine down your way is both rare and expensive. THAT machine at THAT price was/is an incredible bargain, and that thing will clean up NICE.
Does that jib crane for changing chucks come with the machine? I sure hope so but it shouldn't be a deal breaker if not.
There will be a time period for getting it in place, cleaning it up and getting everything working but it will be time well-spent. Just having the increased speed is huge, but the quick change feed box that most of us take for granted will be pure luxury. Others should know, it's 12.5HP on the spindle, so negative rake tooling will be a cost saver. Among the other cool features is the 90mm spindle bore, and has both a follower and a steady rest. You could easily become the local "go-to guy" for long shaft work.
Those here who have Hardinge, Monarch EE and other dog clutch equipped machines will appreciate that your machine also has that feature for the easiest threading ever. No signs of the threading dial, but with the dog clutch it may never be needed. The threading dial and dog clutch lever are both in a rather odd place...left side of the carriage.
I'm so happy for you! Best of luck on the new project of getting the machine in and running.
Cheers!
Ken
This is far more machine than you currently have, in so many ways. The best part is the bargain you got. In talking with you over the past few years and seeing the evidence, ANY worthwhile machine down your way is both rare and expensive. THAT machine at THAT price was/is an incredible bargain, and that thing will clean up NICE.
Does that jib crane for changing chucks come with the machine? I sure hope so but it shouldn't be a deal breaker if not.
There will be a time period for getting it in place, cleaning it up and getting everything working but it will be time well-spent. Just having the increased speed is huge, but the quick change feed box that most of us take for granted will be pure luxury. Others should know, it's 12.5HP on the spindle, so negative rake tooling will be a cost saver. Among the other cool features is the 90mm spindle bore, and has both a follower and a steady rest. You could easily become the local "go-to guy" for long shaft work.
Those here who have Hardinge, Monarch EE and other dog clutch equipped machines will appreciate that your machine also has that feature for the easiest threading ever. No signs of the threading dial, but with the dog clutch it may never be needed. The threading dial and dog clutch lever are both in a rather odd place...left side of the carriage.
I'm so happy for you! Best of luck on the new project of getting the machine in and running.
Cheers!
Ken