First of all, thank you for letting me be part of this group. I have been looking at mills for a while and had almost decided to buy a new PM 949. Today, I found a used Birmingham 1649-C single phase that is about a year old and seems to have very little use. I can't find many reviews on the quality of these machines. Can any of you give me some input on quality of these machines and part availability if you needed them? I understand that they have a Taiwan head and Chinese body. Is this correct? I will not be using it everyday in a commercial environment but I do want a decent machine. I do gunsmith work and other projects as a hobby. The guy is asking 4750.00 and it has a 3 axis DRO, vise, collets and a few end mills. Not sure on brand of vise. Thank You in advance for any help you can provide.
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Birmingham 1649-c
- Thread starter Malcolm
- Start date
the Birmingham lathes are like most Taiwanese manufactured lathes, the quality varies from good to very good.
the price seems a little high, but if it is well appointed that might be a good deal.
the single phase is a bonus for your electrical hook up at home
that is a very nice size lathe too, i'd love a newer lathe in that size
you can always offer less and see if he bites!
the price seems a little high, but if it is well appointed that might be a good deal.
the single phase is a bonus for your electrical hook up at home
that is a very nice size lathe too, i'd love a newer lathe in that size
you can always offer less and see if he bites!
I'm confused! The PM 949 is a mill. When I search for Birmingham 1649-C, the first non-ad hit comes up as "Birmingham Lathe BPS 1649C," but when I click on it, there's a milling machine. Mike thinks it's a lathe. But then you mention a 3-axis DRO and a vise, both features of a mill.
In the words of Lord Buckley, "Straighten me, 'cause I'm Ready."
PS - Assuming it's a mill, I followed the first link ... https://www.cncmasters.com/product/birmingham-bps-1649c/
This is an equipment dealer. They don't show prices on their website, but I'd bet if you requested a quote you could get a better idea of how good a bargain $4750 is. And as for parts, that would probably be no problem. CNC Masters is a current dealer, as is Southern Tool ... https://www.southern-tool.com/store/birmingham_mills.php
Southern seems to have two 1649 variants for sale, one for $5436 and the other for $6618
In the words of Lord Buckley, "Straighten me, 'cause I'm Ready."
PS - Assuming it's a mill, I followed the first link ... https://www.cncmasters.com/product/birmingham-bps-1649c/
This is an equipment dealer. They don't show prices on their website, but I'd bet if you requested a quote you could get a better idea of how good a bargain $4750 is. And as for parts, that would probably be no problem. CNC Masters is a current dealer, as is Southern Tool ... https://www.southern-tool.com/store/birmingham_mills.php
Southern seems to have two 1649 variants for sale, one for $5436 and the other for $6618
The link you provided is the right machine. It is a 9x49 mill. I am not sure about the price but I think it is the variable speed verses step pulley. The machine that I am considering is a step pulley. The thing that has me thinking a good used machine is the price on new one looks good until you add DRO, power feed, shipping, vise and single phase usually adds some as well. I am not sure though and that's why I am here. The Birmingham that I am looking at looks almost new. He said he purchased it new about a year ago and has not used it much. The price still seems a little high to me as well and when I search for Birmingham Mill reviews, I do not find much.
Thank You for trying to help. I have read good reviews about the Precision Matthews but can't find much info on the Birmingham.