Bridgeport Vs PM 932V input

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Nbak95

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Needing some input on pulling the trigger on a mill to expand on my capabilities, torn between a precision Matthew’s 932V or a used J head Bridgeport. I’ve seen comments about the quality of Chinese made machines have worse QC before they leave, the Bridgeport is in decent shape. I’m limited on space in the garage but the J head is a 36inch table and it would fit so 932 would have more room to deal with. I’d be building my own stand for the 932 as PM is out of stock til September.
Used Bridgeport has power feed and comes with some decent tooling, clamp kit, and vise and VFD so it can be run on 115V ($3500)
New 932V is around 4300 delivered with power feed.
Need some insight on pros and cons
 
I'm surprised nobody has commented on this yet! I won't knock a PM machine, but a Bridgeport in decent condition, with power feed and the other accessories sure sounds like a good start. I don't know if resale is ever a consideration, but it'll be a lot easier to sell a BP, and if you ever need parts for it, even decades down the road, you'll be able to get them. There's very little on a BP that can't be rebuilt, replaced or fixed so there isn't a whole lot of risk going that route. It won't be new, but if it's not trashed, it should be more than fine. My BP is nice, but it isn't new and I have yet for the machine to be the limiting factor, or even a consideration when I'm trying to do something. It also sounds like you'd have to spend a fair bit on a vise, power feed, etc to get the PM to the same condition, so the price gap will grow even bigger.
 
Bridgeport all the way, provided it is in decent shape.

Richard
 
The final question is now I’m torn between two machines. A J head 1HP
Or a variable speed 2HP same price one comes with tooling the other doesn’t. Have to do some research on VFD on a variable speed head or go with the 1HP that already has one installed
Thanks for all the input!
 
Condition would make my choice.

Tooling is good, but if you have to rebuild the machine before using it….

John
 
I'll put in my 2 cents worth here. I was in exactly the same quandary...old bridgeport ( that I could afford) & wasn't clapped out , or new / newer'ish Asian V mill in like new condition . I was very fortunate in that I found a like new PM-935TS with dro & about 4k worth of extras on FB marketplace. I bought it nearly instantly. Upon reviewing all the binders and paperwork he included (he kept everything) I paid a few hundred less than what he bought it for 6 yrs ago, yet $2500 less than new w/all the extras included. So it did hold it's value. The bridgeport I was days away from buying was from a one man shop in very good condition, but it was 54 yrs old. Tough call, but I don't regret my decision at all.
 
Last edited:
Nbak95 said:
Needing some input on pulling the trigger on a mill to expand on my capabilities, torn between a precision Matthew’s 932V or a used J head Bridgeport. I’ve seen comments about the quality of Chinese made machines have worse QC before they leave, the Bridgeport is in decent shape. I’m limited on space in the garage but the J head is a 36inch table and it would fit so 932 would have more room to deal with. I’d be building my own stand for the 932 as PM is out of stock til September.
Used Bridgeport has power feed and comes with some decent tooling, clamp kit, and vise and VFD so it can be run on 115V ($3500)
New 932V is around 4300 delivered with power feed.
Need some insight on pros and cons
Click to expand...
I know you are tight on space but you might take a look at the PM940V, compare the price to the PM932V, the 940 also comes with the base, not an extra...
 
I have a VFD on a 1hp J head. For home shop use, I actually prefer the step pulley Bridgeports. They tend to run more quietly, and are pretty simple to maintain. You can use a VFD on a vari-speed mill, but you'll probably just set the VFD on 60hz, and use the reeves drive on the mill for speed changes.

I had a VFD on the Millrite that was in my shop for several years. That mill ran so quietly that you almost couldn't hear it running. I only replaced it with the Bridgeport because I wanted the rapid downfeed, and my Millrite was fine feed only on the quill.
 
I second Verbotenwisky's reply , the PM932 does not make much sense when you can get the PM940 for around $400 more if you are planning on buying the base and you have the room. there is a lot more capability in the 940.
 
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