Welder looking to buy a mill/drill for home use

[Aaron_W]

220volt 3phase is about as far from 110 volt circuit as you can get, well there is 480 3 phase!

Hey somebody always has to suggest that regardless of the size machine being asked about. I believe it is a rule.

I had people telling me to get a Bridgeport when I was buying my Sherline. 50lb mill 2500lb mill, same general size right?

 

[dabear3428]

Hey somebody always has to suggest that regardless of the size machine being asked about. I believe it is a rule.

I had people telling me to get a Bridgeport when I was buying my Sherline. 50lb mill 2500lb mill, same general size right?

I like both but there is a lot of commitment that comes with a bridgeport and i'm not even talking about cost.

 

[Charles scozzari]

I like both but there is a lot of commitment that comes with a bridgeport and i'm not even talking about cost.

He did mention he has 220 in his garage. Add a phase convertor and he's in business.

 

[SouthernChap]

Bridgeport.

Honestly, I don't think a one word answer post on any request for buying advice on any machine tool is particularly useful.

In this case the OP has specifically ruled out a Bridgeport in their first post.

It's best to make sure the requirements are fully understood before making recommendations and unless the asker has done an outstanding job of explaining that often is hard without asking a few questions. Even if the requirements are straightforward and/or obvious, a bit of text regarding reasons for the recommendation is often helpful.

 

[Charles scozzari]

Honestly, I don't think a one word answer post on any request for buying advice on any machine tool is particularly useful.

In this case the OP has specifically ruled out a Bridgeport in their first post.

It's best to make sure the requirements are fully understood before making recommendations and unless the asker has done an outstanding job of explaining that often is hard without asking a few questions. Even if the requirements are straightforward and/or obvious, a bit of text regarding reasons for the recommendation is often helpful.

If you feel that way what would be the purpose of this site ?. The way I see it the whole idea seems to me to suggest, discuss, advise show enlighten.I think you are taking aim at my suggestion of the Bridgeport over a smaller Mill/Drill that could approach 4 to 5 thousand dollars and as the member said he fabricates small items. Well for the most part I think most started with small lathes and mills and quickly outgrew them. When you have small jobs you know they get bigger and bigger as you move along the curve. A used decent Bridgeport can be for $3.000 if you are patient. Mine was only a Suggestion and Opinion.

 

[SouthernChap]

If you feel that way what would be the purpose of this site ?. The way I see it the whole idea seems to me to suggest, discuss, advise show enlighten.I think you are taking aim at my suggestion of the Bridgeport over a smaller Mill/Drill that could approach 4 to 5 thousand dollars and as the member said he fabricates small items. Well for the most part I think most started with small lathes and mills and quickly outgrew them. When you have small jobs you know they get bigger and bigger as you move along the curve. A used decent Bridgeport can be for $3.000 if you are patient. Mine was only a Suggestion and Opinion.

Nope, if could fit a knee mill in my workshop, I'd have spent the money and bought one. Space is my issue, a problem something not many US hobbyists have by the looks of some of the photos on here.

No, what I was suggesting is that if one is going to disagree with one of the requirements that the asker has set out (so, no Bridgeports or similar sized) then one really ought to provide a decent explanation for the reasons why one disagrees.

Actually, given the nature of the work the OP wants to do, I'd tend to agree with you that a decently solid mill with a good sized work envelope would be the preferred option but eh, the OP wants what he wants and doesn't want what he doesn't want.

The main point really was that one word answers aren't really that helpful to the OP (or anybody else reading this thread in the future).

 

[Charles scozzari]

.

 

[Teglove2]

Gm everyone,

Well, I had an opportunity to buy a PM 835s knee mill this weekend brand new, but I lost the bid on ebay by $100! Back to the drawing board. I have been searching around for a used bridgeport, but there's so many variations and questions as to the maintenance that it's making me very hesitant to pull the trigger on one. They range in hp from 1hp to 4hp, different years, different options. Any advice?

 

[Teglove2]

Nope, if could fit a knee mill in my workshop, I'd have spent the money and bought one. Space is my issue, a problem something not many US hobbyists have by the looks of some of the photos on here.

No, what I was suggesting is that if one is going to disagree with one of the requirements that the asker has set out (so, no Bridgeports or similar sized) then one really ought to provide a decent explanation for the reasons why one disagrees.

Actually, given the nature of the work the OP wants to do, I'd tend to agree with you that a decently solid mill with a good sized work envelope would be the preferred option but eh, the OP wants what he wants and doesn't want what he doesn't want.

The main point really was that one word answers aren't really that helpful to the OP (or anybody else reading this thread in the future).

Thank you for this reply. I'm open to finding a knee type mill but Im having trouble finding one thats in my price range and that doesnt have a questionable past.

 

[matthewsx]

I made it work when I found a baby Bridgeport in my price range. Glad I did....

John