Bridgeport on the way!!

[bill ropke]

OMG! I have a used milling machine coming in a few days. The best part is it was FREE. Seems a machine shop in my town has changed over entirely to CNC and water-jet machining of parts and they needed someone to take 5 machines off their hands. Four got donated to the Technical college, and I got the fifth. Now I just have to get a tow truck to get it home. Variable speed, 2 phase, collets, vise and bits. Who could ask for anything more?
It pays to say your prayers guys!
I have been rewarded. (or was I just in the right place at the right time?)

 

[Runner]

Nice catch! I hope you have the right power for it. I am having to do some wiring to make the big lathe happy.

 

[walruskid1]

you can work wonders with a transformer

 

[BS]

The best kind, a FREE one :bow: :bow:

Now to pray for some free end mills! :grin:

 

[bill ropke]

Yes, electricity is the key.
I have an extra 220 line running to the shop, now I just need to get it all hooked up. First I have to pay the delivery guy, then onto hook up.
End Mill. "Dear God, I have been a good boy......."

 

[scott k]

A few years ago I found my Bridgeport mill :grin: Paid a nice price for it. It was tight and in over all great shape. The draw back was it's a old one. The ram is round instead of the dove tail type. Uses #2 Morse taper collets (Only goes up to 1/2") And It was in a basement in a row home, had to be stripped apart to get it out.
Let me tell you the base is heavy. :shocked2: I rolled it to the steps on pipes then used a come along hooked to my pickup to slide it up the steps.
4 years later I still have to figure out where to set it up :hmm: :rotf:
Good luck with yours :thumbsup:
Lehigh...

 

[54JNoll]

Great snatch.

 

[BS]

A few years ago I found my Bridgeport mill :grin: Paid a nice price for it. It was tight and in over all great shape. The draw back was it's a old one. The ram is round instead of the dove tail type. Uses #2 Morse taper collets (Only goes up to 1/2") And It was in a basement in a row home, had to be stripped apart to get it out.
Let me tell you the base is heavy. :shocked2: I rolled it to the steps on pipes then used a come along hooked to my pickup to slide it up the steps.
4 years later I still have to figure out where to set it up :hmm: :rotf:
Good luck with yours :thumbsup:
Lehigh...

You can set in my garage! and use it anytime you want! :shocked2:

The small high speed head is the same one that my brother bought. It works quite well! :thumbsup:

 

[bill ropke]

The total weight for the machine is approx 3350 lbs, that's why I hired a tow truck to bring it over. We are putting wheels on one end (dolly like for a car) and a large eye bolt on the other end. That way he can lift it on one end and roll it to my place. My Dad's a model maker, it was his idea, wish I could take credit. This way we can move it in one piece. I am already building casters to support it so I can move it around the shop until I find it a permanent home. Have to have these ready when it shows up.

 

[thehorn]

That is a nice coup. I too got a Bridgeport lathe free as my school was disbanding it's metal shop and I was (teaching) in the right place at the right time. Sadly, many middle schools are phasing out the traditional wood & metal shop for the new technology curriculum that focuses on CAD, rocketry, engineering, etc. High schools fortunately are more hesitant to give up the traditional trades. If you're in the market for cheap, but higher quality shop tools, wouldn't be a bad idea to check with your local middle/jr. high school or BOE and inquire if they have any retired shop equipment for sale. Very often it's sitting in the BOE's maintenance & grounds facility.