Pro's and Con's Of Table Lengths

[spedini]

I'm a retired manual machinist, I've got a 10" SouthBend cabinet lathe that I bought for noodling around and to keep my hand in the trade.

I've been entertaining thoughts of buying a Bridgeport, but I'm curious how others feel about table lengths. In all of the shops I've been employed, all of the Bridgeports have had 42" tables.

After looking for a while, I see there also are 36" and 48" tables available. I can imagine how a 36" would be just fine for 90% of home/hobby type jobs. I understand some prefer them because they take up less space.

I can also imagine how the 48" would be great for that ONE job that needs that table length. One thing that concerns me is how the wear would be when you start getting near the end of that travel...all of that weight hanging out there. Even with a 42", I noticed how hard the screw turned when the table got offset to one side or the other.

I ask because I've found a nice 9x48" with power feed and X-Y DRO for sale nearby, and it's priced at more than the average 42".

Floor space isn't a concern, I've got plenty of room in my hangar for a 48" table.

So would some of you mind offering thoughts on which length you'd recommend for hobby type use. My interests are general aviation, motorcycles and cars. I've got an old V Tail Bonanza and a couple of Harleys.

I should add that while I've got 220 in the hangar, it's single phase, so I'll need a phase converter, so can you take a regular cut with 220/single phase? Will the drive work OK while taking a cut, or will I have to take a light cut if I'm also using the power feed?

Thank you in advance for your recommendations.

Respectfully,

Arnie

[gus]

if you have ever run a 9 inch knee 32 inch table step pulley Bridgeport you will know why it is the most famous machine tool ever. It is sweet to run comfortable and even an old worn one is a pleasure. longer heavier tables, noisy varispeed, deeper knees, all take away. Are they useful? yes. but never as nice

[spedini]

Thanks Gus,

I didn't know there was a 32" table. I've only ran step pulleys, I've only seen the variable speeds in pictures, I've never heard one run.

All good to know.

Thanks again.

Arnie

[polaraligned]

The 42" is the most popular. It will generally cost you less than a 48". I think the 32" tables were most common on the old M heads which you don't want.

[gus]

there are plenty of J head V ram 32 inch machines

priorities in order in my mind:

condition

v ram

j head

table length