Boss 6 - what's it worth?

[Mac_]

I'm looking for a bridgeport, but would like your opinion. What is a fair/starting price for such a beast?

Boss 6 Bridgeport mill, with Machine Master control upgrade operating system, excellent ways excellent machine overall powerstation cad cam included, runs off pc (included) macros+canned cycles,backup discs+manual, on screen tutorial, 3 phase, 3 axis full screen programming, this is a real cnc knee mill not a bench top toy not under power toolholders +new cnc vise included.

Matt

[Mac_]

Ok, then can anyone offer a reference on pricing for these old bridgeports?

[Eric]

Search ebay?

[snakebit95]

Pricing seems to vary A LOT!! I see some guys that get their machines for FREE, because a shop or school wants the old iron out-of-their-way. I am never in the right place for deals like that. I purchased a Boss 6 that had the original Bridgeport controls on it for $1200. I had to do A LOT of shopping to find it, and it took patience, effort and time. The ways look almost new, and it was in good working condition. However, it did have a few broken parts that I had to fix (i.e. stripped Z-Axis pulley / belt, broken Z-Axis limit switch, e.t.c.). For the price of the machine, it was a simple fix. I check EBay on occassion to see what these machines bring. I have seen worn / broken machines sell for as much or more as I paid for mine. Typical selling price for Boss stepper machines in good working condition usually range between $2500 - $4000 with the OEM control system. I have seen some really nice ones with updated controls go for over $5K; but they were really nice looking machines. I am not sure how much this will help; but if you are planning to use the machine as a hobby-machine, only you know how much it is worth to you. If you are planning to use it for business, then you probably need to perform a justification analysis and see how long it will take to pay for itself at the current asking price.

[sdeering]

I got mi boss 5 for 1200 Canadian origional control, and yes with the z axis not working. One with a aftermarket control woud be double that if not more.
Stephen

Ps I will have an origional working controle for sale soon.

[HillBilly]

Series 1 or series 2 (bigger) will make a difference.

Darek

[Mac_]

Thanks for the clues, so far.

This ad is relatively local to me, I have yet to put "eyes on". but the owner is asking $7000 OBO. It seems a bit high, but I hoped to gain more of a pricing clue, before making an offer.

And yes, Eric - I'm aware of eBay. However, current owners are all over the chart pricewise - and it's difficult to see what they really go for.

So, what is the average value of a is a fully straight and clean, operational Series 2 (Boss 6) mill, with Machine Master control, O/S, included PC, Software, and a new Vice?

By the way, this is strictly a garage shop item, not intended to make money in the knowable future.


Matt

[Karl_T]

The Boss controls are notorious for maintenance problems. With Bridgeport out of buiness, you'll have to refit that machine control before long. You'd be nuts to offer more than 1/2 his asking price.

With a new control, you'd have a wonderful machine.

Karl

[Newby2]

I was given a R2E3 for the cost of having it hauled home ($270). So far I have spent $1200 to get it working. The upgrade retrofit seems to be around $5K. So it comes down to "how much do you really want to spend"
Steve

[Mac_]

Originally Posted by Newby2 I was given a R2E3 for the cost of having it hauled home ($270). So far I have spent $1200 to get it working. The upgrade retrofit seems to be around $5K. So it comes down to "how much do you really want to spend" Steve

Total budget for it is about $5k.

The ad I mentioned above for $7k - just double confirmed it has original controls, with a circuit board upgrade. He's sticking to $7k, so it looks like something else is also stuck somewhere else.

Thanks for the clues, guys. I'm better armed now.

Matt

[HillBilly]

Originally Posted by Mac_ Total budget for it is about $5k. He's sticking to $7k, so it looks like something else is also stuck somewhere else. Matt

Not a very motivated seller. Keep looking, you will find one within your budget.

Darek

[zcases]

I got two Boss5's for 1500, hauled 'em home for ~300. They were "supposed" to be functional, I didn't even want to try to bring the poor BOSS control up and have it relive its misery, but the iron is good. I gutted them right out instantly and retrofitted them (Mach/Geckos/CNC4PC+VFD spindle/PMDX bob). The first one is done and I use it quite a bit. The second should be done after Christmas.