Just added a new machine to the shop

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Ok, so maybe NEW isn't appropriate!  I picked this 1971 model bridgeport up today for a price I couldn't refuse - and I have been looking for one anyway.  This one does not have the variable speed head I wanted, but still will be a huge step up from a China made mill drill!  As rough as it looks, it actually seems to be in pretty nice, tight shape as far as the spindle and ways go.  Still, it will take some time to get it in the condition I want. Attached Images
Reply:Those machines are amazing. You won´t regret your buy. How much did ya pay for it? Yeah, it seems in nice shape.My Babies: HF Drill pressHF Pipe Bender3   4.5" Black and Decker angle grindersLincoln Electric PROMIG 175that´s it!
Reply:I work in a scrap yard on saturday,and (I know its hard to beleive) ,but someone through this out.The only thing wrong with it is the electrical switch wont reverse (big deal) Pretty cool huh !!!!Theres no such thing as scrap metal,its all good.
Reply:[QUOTE=peter14]I work in a scrap yard on saturday,and (I know its hard to beleive) ,but someone through this out.The only thing wrong with it is the electrical switch wont reverse (big deal)Hey Peter,Ive got a small mill drill that looks almost the same.Is it an RF 20? Mines 415v and the forward/reverse is the upper Lhs switch,yours looks like its 240 ...that maybe the reason it wont reverse.Mine is substancially older but  tops as a drill press with a few milling abilitiesR8 spindle?
Reply:This ones an RF25, its a 240volt machine,,the switch has got some damage to it. I think.Theres no such thing as scrap metal,its all good.
Reply:Still ,a bloody good find!
Reply:oh yea.Its really amazing what people chuck out.I got 3 Jawa Perak motorbikes (1948) out of the crusher one day.They arent complete,,but theres enough there to play with.Theres no such thing as scrap metal,its all good.
Reply:Which scrappy do you work for Peter?Im primarily into aluminium so I know most of them.
Reply:Im in the scrap metal yard at Auburn waste transfer station.Its run bt Cleanaway.All our stuff goes to Sell and Parker.Its a saturday job.Theres no such thing as scrap metal,its all good.
Reply:ahhhh "m" head bridgeports..gotta love 'em...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Originally Posted by peter14Im in the scrap metal yard at Auburn waste transfer station.Its run bt Cleanaway.All our stuff goes to Sell and Parker.Its a saturday job.
Reply:You'll be the first to know.I dont have any freinds that are into machining.Theres no such thing as scrap metal,its all good.
Reply:Nice choice on the Bridgeport, TubularFab.I was fortunate enough to find a really good deal on a 2J head with DRO and powerfeed. I absolutely love it.Much like my TIG machine, I can't imagine my shop without my Mill.- Paulhttp://all-a-cart.comWelding Cart Kits and accessories
Reply:Thats a beauty, I'm sure youll have lots of fun with it.  Don't forget to post some pics of your new projects.
Reply:You're going to love it.If I had such luck I would scrounge a VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) for ease of setting correct cutting speed.  I bet you could find a good VFD for up to 1 hp for a reasonable price on ebay.   Last 1 hp VFD that I bought in a salvage store was about $60, and well worth it.  Way handier than shifting belts.awright
Reply:Yes, I have already been watching Ebay for a VFD for it.  I am used to having access to BP's with the variable speed 2j head, so I would definitely like the VFD.  But, when you find a BJ in pretty nice, tight shape for $200 you don't complain too much about it being a belt change model...  Or that it's missing a few odds and ends.  Most of the handles were there except for the knee crank, but the clutch, clutch arm, and clutch cover for the quill feed are all missing.  I seem to use my boring heads a lot, so I am definitely going to find the parts and get the feed working again.  After I chipped the paint off the feed engage handle I was pleased to find that it does have all 3 speeds functioning, just needs the clutch.The last time I had a BP my dad (master machinist, btw) had scored a couple from where he works.  They had given 10 of them YES 10! to the scrap guy.  Dad is friends with the scrap guy, so he let us have one complete 2j 9 x 42 and one extra 2j variable speed head for parts.  We rebuilt the whole machine and then traded what was left of the other head for a 5hp rotary phase converter and some cash.  I used that BP a lot, then it was sold along with the beautiful LeBlond Regal Shiftomatic 15 x 30 lathe to generate cash for a lake home purchase.  Doh!  At Panoz there is an Enco BP copy that is belt change, and a variable speed 2J bridgeport which I definitely prefer over the Enco.  But, since tomorrow is my last day there I definitely needed to find one for my shop.  I heard about the one pictured above being in the way at a shop in the area so I pounced!