Advice on price for BusyBee CB-600

[JohnnyRabbit]

Hello everyone,

I'm currently looking for a benchtop milling machine and found this used one on the internet. I was wondering if any of you know anything about this model and what would be a reasonable price.

I can't find any information on this particular model and couldn't find a similar looking one yet.

I will be mostly using it to miter thin chromoly tubing and get me started.
I'm well aware this is not a knee mill and plan in getting a bigger shop and a mill if things work out well.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[matthewsx]

Hi,

I can't really tell from your photos but it doesn't look like an RF30 clone so some sort of square column bench top mill?

How much is the seller asking? My SWAG would be somewhere between $1000 and $1500 USD around here but condition and location can make a big difference in selling prices.

Can you run the machine to confirm proper operation?

I tried looking it up online but couldn't easily find more info, it looks well used but as long as it'll do the job and the price is good make an offer.

John

 

[JohnnyRabbit]

The seller is asking 2200CAD (1600USD) and wouldn't go lower than 2000CAD(1450USD). He said the machine is running great and all but if find that the price is quite steep for the state of the machine according to the pictures. Table is beaten up, the motor is quite old some handles are missing, not a so much of a big deal but it tells me the machine is not in a good shape.

Thanks for the reply

 

[matthewsx]

If he’s close go take a look. If you like it make a cash offer and be able to load it then and there.

If he turns down your offer just leave your number and let him know the offer will stand if he changes his mind.

It doesn’t sound like he’s too far off from what you’re thinking, if it’s in serviceable condition work with him.

John

 

[Weldingrod1]

Morse taper spindle, looks like.
Being able to fake a knee is a plus. Question is, is it big enough for your work?
I'd take that over a RongFu.
Might be able to riser block it for more daylight.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

 

[Weldingrod1]

Motors generally last a long time.
Yes, you could fab a riser block.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

 

[Dabbler]

@JohnnyRabbit You could also ask at canadianhobbymetalworkers.com. they will have a better feel for the Canadian market.

I'm in Alberta - it would go for about 1500$ - 1600$ here, depending on close examination and accessories.

 

[JohnnyRabbit]

Morse taper spindle, looks like.
Being able to fake a knee is a plus. Question is, is it big enough for your work?
I'd take that over a RongFu.
Might be able to riser block it for more daylight.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

I don't know why he layed an ER32 tool holder with the pull stud still on it. It's clearly a R8 collet spindle.

 

[JohnnyRabbit]

@JohnnyRabbit You could also ask at canadianhobbymetalworkers.com. they will have a better feel for the Canadian market.

I'm in Alberta - it would go for about 1500$ - 1600$ here, depending on close examination and accessories.

Thanks a lot, I will look into it.

 

[markba633csi]

Interesting little-seen design; the spindle housing moves vertically but the table and motor are fixed- the power is transferred thru a spline shaft like a drill press
Spline shaft would be a wear point- prone to rattling and slop
Advantage over the other "kneeless" benchmill designs as the head would stay in better alignment
when moved