Looking At A Bigger Mill

[EdK]

So if I decide to go look at this mill, what should I be looking for besides wear on the ways?

Ed

[PixMan]

The easiest test is to check wear on the ways. Put the table and saddle in the middle of their travel range with binders off, and start tugging. Standing in front of the machine (operator position), push and pull on the handle by the feed box. Any significant play, negotiate downward on the price. If it's barely detectable, that's usually within the range of a simple gib adjustment.

A common problem with the variable speed heads is (especially with "genuine" Bridgeports) is the bushings for the variable speed drive. Bridgeport ones are unsupported on one end and being plastic, they tend to fail more often. The Taiwanese machines like that usually have a bearing on the bottom of the shaft to strengthen it and they last a lot longer. Simple to check under power by just running up & down through the speed range. If it sounds junky, it probably is. If it sounds smooth, buy it!

[Mayhem]

I'd listen to the spindle bearings whilst running it through its speeds in both lo and hi range. Test the quill feed works. With the table in the centre, grab one of the ends and see if it moves (i.e. does it twist on the saddle). I'd check that all the levers and handles rotate smoothly. Look for signs of abuse.

Basically, if it doesn't look like my Kondia did when I first got it you should be OK

Edit - Ken posted whilst I was typing

[EdK]

Just my luck. The mill was evidently posted on their web site on April 24th and sat there until now. One hour after I get a quote from them it sells.

Ed

[PixMan]

Man, that just sucks. Someone other than you got a nice machine for a great price.

Keep at it, one will come up but that was exactly the kind of machine you should be hunting down. Best of luck!

[EdK]

Yup, that looked like a good one at a good price. I'll keep looking. I've decided to hold out for a full sized knee mill like the one I missed out on. I've convinced myself that I can get it down the basement by dismantling it. That would be a good opportunity to give it a good going over before reassembly.

Ed

[Mayhem]

Sorry to hear that Ed. I'm sure one will come up at a good price and hopefully you will not have to wait too long.

I know you will be able to strip it down to get it into your basement.

[Dr Stan]

I agree with the other posters who have warned against buying a mainland Chinese machine tool. My experience with them has been highly unfavorable. Those from Taiwan are a whole different breed and I've have experience running & repairing both. Just keep looking.

BTW, have you looked using Search Tempest?

[EdK]

(05-06-2015, 10:54 PM)Dr Stan Wrote: ...

BTW, have you looked using Search Tempest?

What's that?

Ed

[Vinny]

http://www.searchtempest.com/ Searches ebay, craigslist, and others from one site.