Identify these tools (Old machinist stuff)

[gonzoengineer]

Hey guys, I'm hoping you might help me find out a bit more about these tools I'm looking at purchasing. Both are vintage and are not real clear of origin as the current owner knows little about them.

The first item is a multi-head drill press (gang press?).

The second item is a mill, although I'm hazy on the specifics for it as well. The label is sort of in the picture but I don't recognize it.

They also have a very old Bridgeport mill which I am interested in but have no idea as to the value of. I think it may be outside of what I can afford though sadly.

I know the pictures ****, I'm hoping to get better ones tomorrow, if I can make it over to take a look for myself.

 

[ihredo4]

The first is a gang drill. I bought 4 or 5 spindle unit for a friend 10 years ago for $500. Watch out for the electrical supply to this. IIRC it should be 220 or 440 3 phase. The second picture looks to me like a surface grinder but cant see enough in the picture.

 

[jkeyser14]

The surface grinder looks like a Harig. That's all I can tell you about them, no experience running them.

 

[gonzoengineer]

The first is a gang drill. I bought 4 or 5 spindle unit for a friend 10 years ago for $500. Watch out for the electrical supply to this. IIRC it should be 220 or 440 3 phase. The second picture looks to me like a surface grinder but cant see enough in the picture.

Whats the intention of a gang press as opposed to just a single unit? Having multiple bits already loaded for 'assembly line' type work?

 

[slopecarver]

correct the gang drill press is used for assembly line stuff, they don't need to be different size drill bits, it could be different fixtures or jigs. speaking of jigs, the surface grinder can be used to make gauge blocks or perfectly flat surfaces. I've used one to sharpen wood planer knives and make a gauge block accurate to +-.0001 inches

 

[rodm1]

Don't buy the gang drill press they **** balls hold out for a single head Allen drill press. Spend the money on the surface grinder if it is accurate enough fore you.

I would only pay scrap valve for any of the machinery. Most of the time they are worn out and you don't seem that knowledgeable on this stuff. That seed a worn out Bridgeport can be a grate drill press. Check the ways for gouges and scoring and run the table all the way right and left and shake the table that will give you an idea of how bad it is.

 

[gonzoengineer]

I'm pretty good with rebuilding things and would actually prefer to find tools to restore, so the idea of them being worn or in need of repair doesn't worry me.

I really only want a single standing press, the gang press just looked interesting and I wanted to know more about it. If it'd be less functional than a single press, I'll just hold out. I missed out on a great late-30's/early-40's standing drill press earlier this week. I'm a bit bummed about that one.

As for the surface grinder, I'm trying to figure a use that I might have for it. I think a Bridgeport mill would function far better for most of the things I'd want to do. I also want to pickup a lathe at some point so I can make custom spindles/bushings/etc as well as turn my own brake rotors when necessary.

 

[ihredo4]

I wouldn't hesitate to buy and use the gang drill. It is a very versatile piece of equipment. Think about having to drill multiple holes in one part. You can center drill, drill, and ream on each different spindle without having to change out tooling.

The grinder is also a good piece to have. If the price was right I would grab it.

A Bridgeport is also a useful tool to have. Afriend of mine has two. One is a dedicated drill press.

Oh on a side note. DO NOT work on that gang drill with any spindle running. We had a gal at work lean into the machine to look at something while the spindles were running. Well one of the drills yanked a 3" piece of scalp right out of the back of her head with the hair. Better safe than sorry.

 

[jkeyser14]

Most mechanics / garage nuts would not have a need for a surface grinder. It's used for removing very small amounts (less than .001") of ferrous material (steel or iron) in order to get a very flat surface. It also takes a knowledge of the material you are cutting as well. If you throw a sheet of steel in there that hasn't been stress relieved it will bow like a pretzel once you release it from the magnetic vise.

On top of that, this surface grinder is not hydraulic which means you'd spend a LOT of time cranking handwheels to remove very minor amounts of material.

 

[gorilla]

I would pass on the gang drill. Too heavy and takes up too much space it may also require 3 phase power. It's not worth it to convert for a drill press. The surface grinder will let you machine hard materials that can't be done on a mill or lathe. I would buy it if the price is good.

 

[Eds_tls]

In this economy there is ALOT of used machinery for sale right now at huge discounted prices. I personally would pass on any machinery unless is was super cheap or 100% perfect working order.

We scrap out heavy machinery that needs complete rebuilds. A few years ago, you could still get a decent dollar for stuff and it was worth it to try and sell it. Not nowadays