I posted a thread asking about value is at all possible for a Tree 2UV Mill (possibly thread below) but was unable to post photos with the thread and apologize. I was able to place photos but did not know how to add a link (url) of the photos with my questions. Sorry for being unfamiliar with all of this. (nuts)

Hopefully the two will come together.

Thanks, Ron

I do not see my original thread yet so I'll try again (with pictures) as I think I have it figured out now. Sorry to botch this first posting so bad.

Hi,

My name is Ron and I have an opportunity to purchase a Tree 2UV mill along with a LeBlond Lathe.

First; I am trying to figure out what something like these would be worth. They are fairly dirty (please see photos) but I ran them through a number of functions and all seem to work well. Any info leading to the year of the machine, or where to find that info on the machine?

The Tree Mill is in pretty decent shape but I am not too familiar with them so was only able to run it through a few functions. No manual. The power feed on the table works smooth and quite (3 or 4 speeds both directions), the head sounds like the bearings are worn but I’m sure would work for a number of more years. (Are bearings/parts available?) Tool changes seem cumbersome but I’m used to a Bridgeport. I did not attempt to use the quill power feed so I don’t know if it functions. The belt is there.

A master machinist owned and used them into his 80’s before passing making precision pieces and I believe he took care of them and didn’t abuse them, but didn’t clean them either. Lots of unknowns but he knew his way around them.

Any help would be truly appreciated. I would like to know approximate value if possible just by looking at the pictures of history of similar machines: a good offer to make being fair to both parties. How available parts are? Looks as though the Lathe holds the most promise for parts and support, as I cannot find much of anything for the mill.

Thank you in advance for your time.

Ron

Hey Ron,

I don't know all that much about the 2UV machines, but here's some info:

- I read elsewhere that the 2UV mills had a 1 HP step pulley head, but that machine has what looks like a 2UVR head: variable speed and 1.5HP, making it a more versatile/desirable machine. Since the head was the major (only?) difference between a 2UV and an early 2UVR, in essence it really a 2UVR with a 2UV column door.
- The old style FM pancake motors are rare and expensive to replace/rewind if they go out.
- Manuals are available from multiple sources.
- A company called 3S sells parts. They have all the patterns for the manual Tree mills and can make anything you need. I'm told that prices vary from very reasonable to astronomical, depending on what you need.
- Most of the bearings, belts, fasteners, etc are 'off the shelf' items easily obtained from various industrial supply houses.
- Tree owners will tell you what awesome machines they are, every bit as well built as Bridgeports.
- In the secondary market they don't command nearly as high of a price as Bridgeports, due to the relatively unknown name.
- I paid $1000 for a well used/good condition (but much newer than the one you're looking at) 2UVR. I was the only bidder.
- Most Tree mills used semi-rare "Z" collets that can be hard to find and/or expensive, but are fairly easy to make.

Hi Tony,

That's some great info. Thank you so much. I have been unable to find much of anything searching the web other than a PDF of a user manual, which was pretty good but detail was limited on some pages that were smugged. It's good to know that parts such as bearings are easily available standard sizes (as they did things back then which you just gotta love) and hopefully nothing major is about ready to let go.

I'm assuming you are referring to the motor that is on this machine when you say "The old style FM pancake motors". It sounds like it's getting ready for takeoff when first turning it on. Sounds pretty strong though, but as stated the head is a bit noisy but there is a Bridgeport at work that sounds the same and continues to function well, not what you want to hear but I doubt is doing any real damage, just worn some.

This machine uses a double taper collet I assume is called a "Z" collet. Not the same as the "DT Series" I have seen? I'll have to look again when I get the chance to look at the machine again for additional collets. There is quite an array of end mills and misc tooling, so I'm sure they are around, or like you say making them should be no problem, but as I understand they do not have the size capacity of the Bridgeports ..3/4"?

Thanks again for posting this info Tony, as it helps a lot.

Ron

No problem Ron.

I have a very good (no smudges) pdf copy of an early 2UVR manual that I can email you if you end up getting the machine. All the parts *should* be the same as that mill since it appears to have a 2UVR head.

Yes, I was refering to the spindle motor.

I'm not sure if the "DT" collets that you have seen are the same as the Z collets. Shank size is limited to 3/4" if I recal correctly.

This thread has a picture of some Z collets and some other good info too: http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33734&highlight=2uvr

Take care,

Tony

Oh yeah, I forgot to add that there's a Yahoo group for Tree mills...http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/TreeMillingMachines/

Ron,

Ive ordered collets from a company in Illinois.

Reynolds Machine & Tool
233 North 17th Avenue
Melrose Park, Illinois,60160-1398
1-800-323-7133

It's been a couple of years sense my last order but they had colletes in stock.

Also, my machine cam with a 1" weldon shank addaptor. It screws on in place of the collet nut. It's nice to have for larger mills etc.

Richard.

Very good, more great info. Thanks to the both of you, Tony and Richard for your response. Always nice to have some positive input and people willing to help.

If I do end up with it I will take you up on your offer for that PDF Tony.

Again, Thank you both, you've been a big help.

Ron