Newbie- Bridgeport J125528

[jroberts1968]

I found this local for 1600.00. Any advise would be great.

I just do not know enough about used Mills to make a educated decision and do not want to throw 2500 more in it to make it work.

I am looking at PM30 or PM45 but my shop can fit a BP in it.

BRIDGEPORT MILL- J125528 - US ELEC MOTOR 123024 - SPINDEL SPEED 80/135/210/225 OVER 660/2115/1750/2720 - 1 HORSE POWER - 3 PHS - CYCLE - 50- VOLTS 208/220/380/440 - AMPS 4.6/4.4/2.5/2.2 RPM 1420 - 1730

[jmelson]

It is a manual machine. The 1J head has 4 speeds adjustable by belt setting and a backgear drive for 4 more speeds, as you show. Probably has the R-8 spindle taper. 1 Hp motor, 3 phase.

But, that's just the specs. Condition is everything. Ways can be worn, Acme screws can be in bad shape. If you want to convert to CNC, then starting with a machine already set up for CNC is a much better choice. If you want a manual machine, then that doesn't matter.

Jon

[cheetahcnc]

The fixed speed belt heads are less expensive to get going, that is a plus. Every used Bridgeport (or similar) I've purchased, needed the variable pulley system repaired. Inspect the collet seating surfaces of the spindle, then chuck a length of precision round, about 3/4", and put an indicator on it and give it a spin manually. I have found machines with very little brake left were used a little harder. The price is in the range I see in many machinery auctions.

Jim

[machintek]

This must be quite old. It has the 36 inch table. That has to be considered too.

George

[Smrtman5]

I spent about $500 rebuilding my bridgeport. New gibs, x & y nuts, and a couple of missing handles and dials and some paint. I didnt dare take the head apart (1J), but it ran well, so i was lucky there.

I finished it off with about $500 in startup tooling: vise, endmills, indicator, etc. Certainly worth the investment for me. I later added a DRO.