Bridgeport Barn Find- Is it worth it?

Do you realize we are just talking amongst ourselves? I mean, I like talking to you guys just as much as anyone else, but it has been 7 days since the OP has looked at this thread. LOL
I LOVE IT. He decided after all he really didn't need a mill anyway and seller was ready to start the rebuild.
 
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

Hey guys, I am still here. I am reading and liking the responses every few days. I thought I was clear in my last post that I have decided to pass on the project mill for now; I apologize that that wasn't clear. I think Craniac/Tim is spot on in what he shared about people not understanding the situation in the PNW and his advice for me and others about being willing to pounce the moment. I think the conversation moved on past advice on how much the mill's accuracy potential had been permenatly damaged into a larger conversation about searching harder.

I could buy the mill just to part it out, or as a long term project/education, but I don't have the space as my current shop is already overflowing and with mill-based projects that need to be done this summer. I was keeping the thread open so that I can post what I finally end up getting as a thank you for all the people who have offered such great advice.
 
Hey guys, I am still here. I am reading and liking the responses every few days. I thought I was clear in my last post that I have decided to pass on the project mill for now; I apologize that that wasn't clear. I think Craniac/Tim is spot on in what he shared about people not understanding the situation in the PNW and his advice for me and others about being willing to pounce the moment. I think the conversation moved on past advice on how much the mill's accuracy potential had been permenatly damaged into a larger conversation about searching harder.

I could buy the mill just to part it out, or as a long term project/education, but I don't have the space as my current shop is already overflowing and with mill-based projects that need to be done this summer. I was keeping the thread open so that I can post what I finally end up getting as a thank you for all the people who have offered such great advice.
If you'd consider trucking one from Seattle, here's a Bridgeport with DRO at auction, currently sitting at $675 with 15 hours remaining. No connection, just saw it.
 
I have had my eye on every auction mill from Seattle to Reno in the past 8 months. If my bid wins, I am already planning on heading up Thursday to pick it up. Any other PNWers please ignore this post!
 
If you'd consider trucking one from Seattle, here's a Bridgeport with DRO at auction, currently sitting at $675 with 15 hours remaining. No connection, just saw it.
Good lord, could you have not posted any later than the night before a 10am closing on that auction? Not for the BP, but the rest of the shop... Did you see that anvil? It's the size of a great dane! And the racks upon bins of stock... Pexto sheet metal tools... That platen welding table... I'm helpless to pull off the logistics at this point. That 13 miles to Seattle sucks when I have to swim, it takes planning. Darn you, Bulgie!
 
I have had my eye on every auction mill from Seattle to Reno in the past 8 months. If my bid wins, I am already planning on heading up Thursday to pick it up. Any other PNWers please ignore this post!
Sorry I mentioned it! ;)
 
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