bridgeport II question

[millwrightguy]

I am looking at purchasing a bridgeport mill, the guy says it is serial number 202. Anybody know if that is the correct number and if it is the correct number how old this mill is. It is on ebay,,in Arkansas, anybody look at let me know what they think of it... The ebay item number is 290127670103 Hopefully someone can give me some info on this mill, whether it would be a good one or not..?? Thanks, Pat.

[DennisCNC]

One thing for sure is it's a heavy solid machine, and I think the weight is a lot more than 4,750lbs it's closer to 6,300lbs+. I have a BP BTC 2 similar base but it is a cnc version with a 40 taper auto tool change head. Here is my writeup: http://cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34843

[widgits]

These Bridgeports were built very well
But I have to ask what control it has
Many of the older Boss series machines have many problems
because of these older electronic parts
And they are getting harder to find replacements and very expensive
I have had to personally retrofit 2 of these machines with
updated controls for just this reason
And if this has an Erickson 30 taper spindle or Kwik switch collar
system the tooling is very expensive
A collet type Kwik switch 200 toolholder books for $200 new
Kind of sad when you can get a Cat 40 V flange for $120
and it's twice the size
Stay away from anything with stepper motors
They are known to drop counts
Servos only
Early Bridgeport toolchangers were especially known for
being tempermental

I wouldn't buy a machine like this off E-Bay Unless I needed
the good iron as a base for a new control
Cheapest I found for a control was Ajax CNC
After I was done it came to about $5500 ea
It all adds up real quick

My 2 cents, Hope it helps
Widgits

[widgits]

Thought it was a CNC machine
I just checked the E-Bay listing
Thats a nice Bridgeport,Looks well cared for
Table and chrome ways look real good
If you let these sit for too long the
spindle drive belt takes set
The heads aren't to bad to overhaul though
And parts are bout $650 with new spindle bearings

Ok I would consider that one
Thats a nice manual machine
Widgits

[machintek]

This is not a CNC. It is a SERIES 2 STANDARD.
It has the optional electric quill feed.
I also see the motor for the knee feed.

George