Bridgeport Barn Find- Is it worth it?

[ironcross44]

I agree with projectnut. If they arent asking much for it, thats something I’d personally restore/fix. If you have a multimeter (or ever a megger better yet), definitely test the motor. It looks like it definitely has potential and I’d love to see it fixed up rather than going to the melting furnace.

 

[woodchucker]

And here is proof that better units are not that uncommon.

Bridgeport vertical mill - $2,500 (San Jose, CA)

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/tls/d/san-jose-bridgeport-verticle-mill/7757579592.html

www.hobby-machinist.com

while it is 10-12 hrs from you. There are more closer

 

[craniac]

You should only get this if you want to make it your life's work for the next few years- all your time, space and budget. At the end of that journey you'd have a masters degree in Bridgeport restoration. That's a commendable goal but doesn't sound like what you want right now.

I empathize with your situation as I live in Portland and know how hard it is to find machinery in this part of the country. Folks from the midwest and east quoting going rates for machines must be politely ignored. The local reality is much different.

You need luck which equals opportunity plus preparation. As you may know one must constantly scan all possible sources, checking FB marketplace for instance before bed and first thing in the morning. If it's a price you can afford and you're not the first one to call you won't get it. You must have cash in hand and the time, energy and equipment to fetch a machine in a several hundred mile radius at least. Take the day off work midweek if you have to. Have your trailer, straps, engine hoist etc ready to go. That will increase your chances.

The other thing is you won't have time to do your homework and ask around if this is a good deal. Do that after you contact the seller and set a time. It takes discipline to back out of a deal after you drive hours away with a rented trailer.

All the above is based on my experience, many mistakes, missed opportunities and what little luck I've scraped together.

Best of luck finding your next project/chip maker
Tim

 

[Charles scozzari]

You should only get this if you want to make it your life's work for the next few years- all your time, space and budget. At the end of that journey you'd have a masters degree in Bridgeport restoration. That's a commendable goal but doesn't sound like what you want right now.

I empathize with your situation as I live in Portland and know how hard it is to find machinery in this part of the country. Folks from the midwest and east quoting going rates for machines must be politely ignored. The local reality is much different.

You need luck which equals opportunity plus preparation. As you may know one must constantly scan all possible sources, checking FB marketplace for instance before bed and first thing in the morning. If it's a price you can afford and you're not the first one to call you won't get it. You must have cash in hand and the time, energy and equipment to fetch a machine in a several hundred mile radius at least. Take the day off work midweek if you have to. Have your trailer, straps, engine hoist etc ready to go. That will increase your chances.

The other thing is you won't have time to do your homework and ask around if this is a good deal. Do that after you contact the seller and set a time. It takes discipline to back out of a deal after you drive hours away with a rented trailer.

All the above is based on my experience, many mistakes, missed opportunities and what little luck I've scraped together.

Best of luck finding your next project/chip maker
Tim

Early in the postings I thought the location could be a problem but didn't want to go there. I drove to Naperville Illinois with a flatbed for a car that was painted the wrong shade of blue. Turned around and drove another 9 hundred miles back to Staten Island empty. Life go's on.

 

[projectnut]

I’m not so sure the Portland area is the machine desert some claim it to be. I just did a search on Craigslist and found a dozen various types and brands listed. Most were under the $3,000.00 range.

Facebook marketplace had listings for 30 within a 100 mile area. Some prices were outrageous while others were reasonable.

The most appealing one to me was a Tree brand 2UVR on Craigslist in Bend Oregon with an asking price of $2500.00. In my opinion Tree mills are superior to Bridgeports in every way. The only downside is less tooling is available, and is generally a bit more expensive.

While Bend is some distance from Portland I have traveled farther for a machine of that quality

 

[Charles scozzari]

I’m not so sure the Portland area is the machine desert some claim it to be. I just did a search on Craigslist and found a dozen various types and brands listed. Most were under the $3,000.00 range.

Facebook marketplace had listings for 30 within a 100 mile area. Some prices were outrageous while others were reasonable.

The most appealing one to me was a Tree brand 2UVR on Craigslist in Bend Oregon with an asking price of $2500.00. In my opinion Tree mills are superior to Bridgeports in every way. The only downside is less tooling is available, and is generally a bit more expensive.

While Bend is some distance from Portland I have traveled farther for a machine of that quality

What Tree spindle mounts are used. NMTB, M3 B&S.

 

[verbotenwhisky]

It's worth something . Maybe parts if you didn't want to stick too much time and $$$$ into it . The head can be replaced easily with a rebuilt unit which are readily available . The base would not be much of a project . Most people buy a machine and totally rip it apart anyway , so this may be a great learning project .

Do you own a boat ? If nothing else , it would make a good anchor . JK .

Edit . Noticed the power feed unit . That's worth a few bucks even for parts . Looks like a 12" chuck on there also .

Scrap price...

 

[projectnut]

What Tree spindle mounts are used. NMTB, M3 B&S.

Tree uses a proprietary tool holding system. The spindle uses double taper collets. One end holds the collet in the spindle. The other holds the tool in the collet

There are several YouTube videos showing how the system works. Once you catch on it’s easier and faster than a Bridgeport. We had 12 of them at work. They were far more rugged and much easier to use than the Bridgeports.

The Tree was my first choice, but after looking for 2 years and only finding worn out and outrageously priced machines I widened the field.

I found a vari speed Bridgeport in excellent condition at a local high school. The price was within the budget so I made the purchase. I’ve had it over 20 years and it’s been an excellent machine

The Bridgeport was probably a better purchase in my case. Originally the shop was in the garage. After a couple years of fighting rust and cold weather I moved everything to the basement. I don’t think the Tree could be disassembled into small enough parts to get down the stairs.

 

[twhite]

What Tree spindle mounts are used. NMTB, M3 B&S.

Z size collets. I have a Tree mill. Love it.


Cutting oil is my blood.

 

[PNW_Guy]

Do you want a mill or a project?

If you like projects, and are looking for one, this is an excellent candidate. If you want a mill, and don't want a project, walk away.

How would your friend feel if you parted out and sold the mill in a year? What happens if you don't finish the project?