Variations on this topic go around on the several lathe lists I'm on all
the time. One problem with commercial milling machines is they are usually
three phase, so unless you already have a phase converter, or have three
phase power available you will have to deal with that. Several work
arounds, but something to consider. Another problem is that once machines
that have been used in commercial, industrial or educational settings are
sold, they are often pretty used up. It can be a big deal to bring them
back to spec.
I have a medium sized Grizzly knee mill that is a knock off of a Rockwell
model from the '70s. It works fine for me and I haven't had any problems
with it. A few years ago when I was in charge of facilities maintenance
for a seaport I bought a 14" Chinese lathe and a Birmingham (also Chinese)
Bridgeport knockoff, both single phase, and they worked great. The
maintenance crew loved them.
There are a couple of milling machine forums on Yahoo, you could cruise the
archives for more info.
Dave C
At 11:18 PM 7/4/2007 +0000, scott.hall@comcast.net wrote:
>subject says it all. seems like it's time to add my very own mill to the
>garage. the guy that I learned from had nice things to say about
>cincinnati products, though we used two lagun republic jobbies. but it
>seems like bridgeports are ubiquitous and might be easier to source
>parts/help for.
>
>so all else being equal, should I start my search for one or the
>other? any particular models to avoid?
>
>(yes, I googled, but you guys actually use them and discuss in real
>time. but any additional web sites appreciated.)
>
>thanks in advance.
>
>scott
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