What is a series 1 worth?

[rwskinner]

My local machine shop closed up and sold off all his equipment last week. He retired. I told him I wish I'd known because I was looking for a used Bridgeport.

He calls me today said he found a Series 1, 2 HP Variable speed Bridgeport Series 1 a friend of his had in storage. He says he went by and looked it over and it needs to be cleaned up but no rust and otherwise in decent shape. It hasn't ran in awhile. I haven't seen it, but he says the ways look pretty good. He mentioned chromed ways???

DRO plastic face is yellowed. and it has a power feed on the X. Asking $4500.

I know it's difficult to base value from the description but does that seem like a fair price? I thought it was about 1K to high but I don't know that much about it.

Opinions wanted.

[F1nalcut]

That depends on several factors.

Condition of the ways and year built.

For example, I got my Bridgeport, 2HP variable speed, with x axis servo and 2 axis acurite DRO for $1,100.

It is a 1969 vintage in excellent conditon.

Still needed cleaning, and I ended up taking it appart, but EVERYTHING worked and no rust or dents were on teh table.

I have been told by many that it was a steal, but I have seen simlar mills to mine, vintage 1960 through 1990, go for anywhere between $1000 and $3000.

Were you live is also a big factor. I am in CT, (Birthplace of the Bridgeport), so the mills are quite plenty and readily available.

I have heard from others, in various States, that availablity of the mills does also drive the price, but also what is available.

I hope this helps.

The key is to be PATIENT and to KEEP LOOKING.

Never buy a mill wihtout looking at it and running it yourself.