Bridgeport Series 1 CNC R2E4 (??)

[l u k e]

I have an opportunity to pickup a 25 (?) year old Bridgeport Series 1 CNC R2E4 with Boss 9 control from a local machine shop. The machine seems to be in good (great) shape and the shop owner and one of the machinists that used it says it’s ready to go.

Can anyone give me ANY insight on the machine, pros and cons both? As I understand it, it will accept G-code but its set up for on the fly programming, and is supposed to be user friendly.

What do you suppose this machine is worth? I know it’s a tough question but I’m just looking for a ball park figure. From what it sounds like I can put it right to work.

As a side note, I’m fairly new to the trade. I’m self taught for the most part but have been at it for a few years. I’m running a small internet business (part time) and have realized that I really need a CNC machine to survive.

Again, any information would be greatly appreciated.

[unterhaus]

I'm not going to comment on the control, I probably would steer you wrong.

I would like to point out that the travel is very short on a series I, of course the tradeoff for going to a series II is a stunning 3000 lbs more weight.

There is a bpt/hardinge forum here, and the moderator, George, is a lifesaver on these old controls.

[Karl_T]

I had a series 1 for quite a while. I thought it was a very nice machine mechanically.

BOSS controls are well known as a POS, holding the value of the Series 1 down. I'm not sure about the later ones like your BOSS 9, but the poor reputation was well earned on the early units. The company is out of business and I bet this control is no longer supported.

Many series 1 units have been retrofited to a PC control. Its an easy job. I did mine over to Ahha (an early Dos based control) and a great many people are now going with Mach 3.

IMHO, I'd stay away from this machine if you want to buy a unit that's ready to make parts and can be easily maintained. If you're looking for a machine to retrofit, its an excellent candidate.

Karl

[l u k e]

What do you suppose it would cost to retro fit it with a PC control?

I can pick this machine up for $4000...

[Karl_T]

4K is a very high price IMHO. Of course, if its nearby, well tooled and a cherry machine it might be worth it.

Cost to retrofit is all over the map. Pay somebody to install a Fagor - $20K. Pay somebody to install Camsoft (my fav. control) $10K. Do Camsoft yourself with used components - $2.5K. I'd suggest you take a look at Mach3. If you do it yourself, you'll be under $1K. The first time, retrofitting is NOT a small project.

I remeber a series in HSM (Home Shop Machinist) not too long ago on putting Mach 3 on a Series 1. And, this group is a great source for infomation.

Karl

[l u k e]

All they mentioned was a quick change with extra collets...

[l u k e]

He also has a early 80's Acroloc for sale. It has a Fagor CNC retro, auto tool changer and a full set of tools that go with. He has made me a package deal on both.

What do you think about the Acroloc?

[Karl_T]

Fagor is a name brand retrofit. Good reputation. Al_The_Man installs these for a living. Sorry, I can't comment on the machine. You'd LOVE an auto tool changer if it works.

You can easily spend as much on tooling as you did on the machine. I have about 50 tool holders for my CNC mill. 3 drill chucks - small, med, large; several morse taper holders in sizes 1,2,3,4; endmill holders 1/4 5/16 3/8 1/2 5/8 3/4 1 1-1/4 mulitple of each size; a whole set of boring heads; collet holders and a set of collets. The list goes on. AND then you need to buy cutters. You can save a ton on a package deal that has all this.

Karl

[l u k e]

I haven't seen all the tools yet, but he said each machine came with tools. He did say the Acroloc had about $5000 worth of tools...

As far as cutters and vices etc., I have an import that is completly set up and running so I have a full setup already. I've just been wanting to get in CNC...