Value of a Broken Tri-Power

[Fast01]

I've had a Tri-Power machine for a few years now and I never could get it sorted out in regards to the table rock. I've played with it some and a while back I tried to change the change gears and the splined collar on one of the shafts crumbled into tiny pieces upon removing the gear. Now I have no power feed! I've got the CNC set-up, but I never bothered to get it running with the table rock issue. Basically, I want to get rid of the machine with all of it's original accessories, plus the Jenix DRO, minus the CNC (I'll use that for another project). What would this thing be worth without the power feed? If anyone's interested, send me a PM. Otherwise, it's going on e-Bay. It just takes up too much room to justify keeping it around "until I can get it running". I'd much rather have two smaller machines without the compromises most 3 in 1's have and if someones got a lathe in the 9 inch swing by 27-30'ish inch center to center and or a mill with at least a 13x7x10 work envelope (manual is fine) they want to get rid of or work out a trade, let me know. Any and all help is appreciated!

[instructor37]

Fast-
We've broken a few of those splined shafts as well. I'm not sure if it was designed that way or just a lucky coincidence, but they seem to be the weak link if you jam the carriage- they break before the more expensive gears. JT has always replaced them for free.
The table rock issue has been addressed here before with some good tips on how to solve it- do a search on this forum.
Before trying to sell the unit, you should at least get it back in working order.
You might consider doing what JT has done with the new VFD machines-
The CNC will perform all the tasks that the gear train does and more, so you could just eliminate all the gears completely.

[Fast01]

Instructor37,

As always, thank you for your quick response. I've read all of the table rock threads and as with changing over to VFD and using the steppers for everything, it'll all cost time and/or money, neither of which I have to spare. I'd love to get everything working properly and just keep the machine, but all it's doing now is taking up space. To be honest, I really don't want to let it go, but my wife is pregnant now and I could use the extra money, no matter how big a hit I take on the unit. It's a double edged sword really. Make a pittance on the machine by selling it or spend some time and money to get it working properly and let it make me money. Unfortunately, it takes money to make money either through listing fees to sell or labor and parts to fix it. I wish I knew what the right choice is. That's why it's not listed and I just put the feeler out. Sorry for the rant, but damned if I do and damned if I don't!

[Jim_V]

With the problems I've been having with my patriot, I'm seriously considering Shopmasters return policy and just eating the shipping cost. It will be a year this October since I bought it. It would still be of use to me in manual mode, but for the cost, I'm sure I could find a nice used manual mill and lathe of much better quality. I'm on the fence right now as well.