Vertical mill options?

[kickitvintage]

Besides a good ol' Bridgeport, what are my options? I only do motorcycle work, so I don't need a large table. But don't want a junky mill drill either. In the past, I had a Powermatic Millrite and it was perfect for my needs. I'm wanting something with an R8 collet, prefer single, but can be three phase, and not as large as a Bridgeport. Thoughts or ideas as to what I should be on the lookout for? Thanks!

 

[tool_scrounge]

Mill rites were available with R8 collets. Also look for used Index mills. Early ones are smaller than a Bridgeport and the company is still in business and can supply a lot of the parts. They also have a spindle regrind service to convert to R8.

 

[kickitvintage]

I've had a Millrite. If I could find another one, I'd buy it. What else shall I look for? Thanks!

 

[txvwnut]

Dads got a RongFu bench top mill that he's made a ton of parts and money with over the years. It's got a R8 quill and I think a 36" table, the head swivels and I think it can be raised and lowered to and from the table.

I started out with a Smithy 3in1 and it did everything I asked of it and more. The only reason I got rid of it was it was Morse taper and I really wanted R8.

 

[zkling]

Sounds like you already know what you need. If you have the space step up to a full size mill. I have a baby clausing (smaller than the millrite) and a full size clausing (larger than the millrite) each one has it's specific tasks. A universal knee mill will probably do all you want, Bridgeport is just a name like Kleenex. They are certainly not the best, but do alot of functions very well. Also "Bridgeports" come in different sizes from mild to wild, especially the early manual/cnc series.

Rockwell made something similar IIRC. The round ram bridgeports are pretty small.

 

[My Old Tools]

I really like my Powermatic Millrite. I see them for sale periodically.

 

[ttpete]

I've had a Millrite. If I could find another one, I'd buy it. What else shall I look for? Thanks!

I have one for sale. Low time, has table feed and horizontal adapter. PM if interested.