Need Quick Opinion on Vertical Mill

[Doug19]

I've been looking for a mill mainly a Bridgeport but stumbled upon this non-Bridgeport mill. Whats everyone opinion on it? I will be using it in my home garage as a hobby.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120520575508&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

[wendell]

The description is 99% useless but it looks like Taiwan/China clone tiawan if you're lucky), XY DRO, power X, power draw bar. Probally R8 (if it's not run away). No pictures of the ways, no tooling. With out seeing it and hearing the varible speed head I wouldn't want to be into it for anything more than $750 to the door.

 

[E.rodz]

never seen another one like it .I would check the collet size to see if they are r8 collet size witch is the bridgeport standard size.it looks like it could be a deal because of the off brand.but just like with anything off feebay you could get burned to.people are just not very trustworthy anymore.the thing that concerns me with off brands is the availbility for parts like brake shoes,motors,variable speed parts.and there availbility.looks like it could go either way with out seeing it first hand its a coin flip.sorry I could't help you more on this one.

 

[Steve from Socal]

It looks more like a clone of an Excello than a B-port, XLO's are heavier than B-P and were a good turret mill.

Steve

 

[Doug19]

Yea it ***** I just stumbled upon it an hour ago and have no time to go check it out. From what I can tell it looks like it is in better condition than most mills i've looked at around here, but I have never heard of the Lincoln model name. Looks like a beefier bridgeport.

 

[jteck75]

There are scores of different imported mills out there,some are just plain junk,some are as fine of a machine as you could ask for. I agree with Erodz,make sure it takes R8 collets,that would definitely be a deal-breaker for me. It's hard to assign a value to a mill that you cannot be around to try out,but by the looks of it,it's been used alot,so while that may mean that it's worn out,it could just as likely mean that it's a good machine that has given alot of good service. As far as parts are concerned,that's another grey area,but there are several aftermarket parts suppliers on the web,and while it's not new,it looks modern enough that part availabilty wouldn't scare me off of it.

 

[Kevin54]

The collets are in a collet holder on the left hand side of the mill column. It looks like it may be in a woodworking shop. If it is any account at all, you get a heck of a deal at $1500 or less. I've been looking for a good deal on a mill for a while now and it seems junk goes for a thousand or more.

 

[Steve from Socal]

R8 collets are a defacto standard in B-P clones but, being a deal breaker? I would much prefer a 40 taper spindle on a turret mill.

Looking at a machine in a few dim pictures will not tell you much about it, if you don't know the machine or too much about machinery even an in person inspection may be of little value. You either have to be a gambler or have a worst case plan on machines like this.

Steve

 

[A_Pmech]

Doug,

I'm with Steve here.

It's a clone of a clone of a Bridgeport. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but there are varying levels of quality amongst the clone machines. Some are better than a Bridgeport (Wells Index comes to mind), some are far worse than a Bridgeport (the various Chinese machines). I've never heard of the "Lincoln" brand and I've never run turret mill that wasn't made by Bridgeport or Wells Index, so I can't say which ones are "good".

Don't assume because the machine was made in 1985 that parts are readily available. That may not be the case, as I have read of troubles obtaining parts for Chinese and Taiwanese clones on Practical Machinist. Bridgeport and Wells Index parts are readily available, at a price.

If you think you can get it for a price that won't hurt the wallet and you have the ability to move it without taking three days of your time, it might be worth the trouble. This, assuming you have an exit plan should it be a pile of junk. Having an exit plan goes for ANY machine you can't inspect in-person and be 100% satisfied with it's continued performance.

Personally, I would wait for a better machine and inspect it in person. Add some funds to your budget if required and buy a machine that is well-known for being a quality product and in great shape. Bring someone knowledgeable for the inspection.

There's a GLUT of machinery out there. Don't be in a rush to buy the first one you see at a price you can afford.

 

[Nealcrenshaw]

Lots of good advice here,Hard call,
If it were me i'd go for it, as a gambler from childhood i'm not afraid of taking risks.
If i buy and its a good machine it worked out, If not no big deal,sell it, scab parts of it learn from it and look for another one. It definitely worth the current bid.

 

[Ign]

I'd gamble on it, too. If the power drawbar works that's worth several hundred, IMO.

More importantly, what are you planning on doing w it? If this is hobby use, even a sloppy machine is great. If hobby I wouldn't be worried about how tight it is, but only if the important stuff works - primarily the motor, gears, belts. If you can't power the spindle it's not worth much.

I agree that even a Cat 40 taper would be great, just stay away from oddball B&S collets, and there's several other uncommon varieties. Unlikely it has any of these.

 

[Doug19]

I've done some searchs online and can't find any mention of a Lincoln mill anywhere, I also found very little information on the DRO. I guess i'll skip this and maybe e-mail the guy after the auction and see if the deal falls through if I can come out and take a very good look at it.

 

[back2class]

$700 max unless you can run it and test it. If I were looking for a mill I would be willing to pay $650ish

 

[G1K]

I'd take a $900 gamble on it. If you do get it and it turns out to be **** I'll buy the power drawbar from you


Ryan

 

[rsanter]

looks like there is some good stuff there in addition to the machine.
you also have to ask what level of precision you need.

keep it under $1000 and I think you will be fine

bob