Brown and Sharpe Mill

[JEM]

I found an old Brown and Sharpe horizontal milling machine tucked into the back of an old shop. I believe its a Universal No. 1 built around 1895 - the kind that runs on the old flat belts but has been converted to 220 single phase power. It was retired back when Bridgeports became commonly available and has been sitting idle for about 20 or 30 years. According to the owner it worked fine when last used. It's got the old B&S #10 spindle taper but comes with an original arbor and about 50 to 75 disc type cutters. I was thinking about buying it for restoration and sporadic use. I know it has limitations when compared to more modern mills. Has anyone out there had any experience with these types of mills? Are they worth having or should I pass it by? Just hate to see something like this go to the scrappers. JEM

 

[loggerhogger]

Those older mills are built to be a lot more rigid than a lot of the newer (tinker toys) that are available for home shops. If you can get it for a reasonable price, and have the ability to move it, I think you will find it well worth having.

 

[HSS]

Hey JEM, where are you in Little Rock? If you can get that mill at a good price, and have room for it, and can afford it, go for it. You can always despose of it later.

Patrick

 

[ScubaSteve]

Yep...cool thing about these types of tools is that you can usually get you money back as long as you don't spend too much in transport costs.

I got a Kearney & Trecker #2 BS that was completely loaded with slotting head, vertical head, dividing head, and boxes of tooling for $500. I had to get rid of it for a move (it was 3500 lbs) but I sold it for what I paid in no time flat....kept some of the goodies too!

 

[JEM]

Thanks for helping me make up my mind. Think I am going to go for the old mill. Was actually leaning that way when I posted the first message but it sure does help to have some moral support! Just got to figure out how to get her home. According to the old Brown and Sharpe catalog, the mill weighs about 1900 lbs - and thats without the jack shaft assembly and motor now attached to its side. Its only about 50 miles away. Thinking about getting a rollback wrecker. Will try to post some pictures once I get her to the house. JEM

 

[ScubaSteve]

A rollback wrecker is probably best. Amazing how quick they can get a mill slid right into your garage!

 

[JEM]

Here are a few photos of the mill. JEM

 

[ScubaSteve]

Yowza...that's a beast! That thing will look fantastic after you clean it up....looks pretty complete, too. Pay special attention to any bit and bobs that may have been in that immediate area. Some (all) of those parts are unobtainium.

FWIW, I like to start out projects like this with a good dose of Kroil. Just hit about any conceivable area with it and you'll save yourself some headaches later on.