Anyone Heard of "Herter" Brand Tools?

[ChandlerJPerry]

Anyone have any insights about Herter machine tools? A quick google search and look on the usual haunts like vintage machinery is turning up nada. This knee mill is for sale in my area and I'm interested, definitely worried about parts availability and literature though . If it's all functional it seems like a decent buy for $1500. It looks similar to a J head Bridgeport, maybe lighter duty on some of the castings. Seller says the table is 42". Also hoping this is the best forum for this? Pipe up if I should post this elsewhere!

 

[benmychree]

The price sounds good for a functional machine.

 

[sdelivery]

I believe they were a Japanese brand.
Only seen one and never repaired one.
I would buy it, but then ......Japanese quality in the 80's and 90's was as good as any.
I am partial to v belt heads, you know why?
I can't tell you how many Bridgeport or Bridgeport clone variable speed heads I have repaired in the last few decades but I can tell you exactly how many v belt heads I have repaired. One.

 

[homebrewed]

I'm reminded of the classic Herter's catalog we used to get when I was a kid. My dad was into all sorts of outdoor activities -- hunting, fishing, camping. That catalog seemed to have everything. But it would be a stretch for them to have made metalworking machines..

 

[Larry$]

I can't tell you how many Bridgeport or Bridgeport clone variable speed heads I have repaired in the last few decades but

Since it's a secret, I'll relate my experiences with VS drives. Timesaver widebelt sander, VS feed belt, 1980s No repairs, one belt. Spanish hydraulic copy lathe, VS spindle, one belt, 1985 machine. Jet 9x49 mill, 2004 machine came out of a plant. Belt was worn and I replaced it for about $65. Replacing the belt on the mill was kind of a PIA. BUT here's the deal from my point of view, nearly instant, infinite speed changes. On a mill I go from using an edge finder or coaxial indicator to boring head or spot drill, to drill, to counter sink and can run each at ideal speed with a quick turn of a dial. I'd hate to give that up. The other thing that goes a long with this story is the power feed on the knee. I guess what I'm saying is, I'm too lazy to want to do all the belt changes.

An alternative is a VFD. I think I'd do that if I had a belt change machine.