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Worth picking up a mill/drill?

MashingMetal

MashingMetal

Super User
I have been offered, this little guy mill/drill, it’s a 1980’s unbranded machine. Is it worth dragging into my shop? Keep in mind I have a Bridgeport clone and Harrison horizontal mill already. So probably used for x/y drilling and small stuff. Going to need lot of work but everything seems free on it.
 

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MashingMetal said:
I have been offered, this little guy mill/drill, it’s a 1980’s unbranded machine. Is it worth dragging into my shop?
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I'd take it home if I were you. A dedicated drill press is extremely handy to have in any size shop. I wouldn't be without one.

I even put an xy table on mine to make it easier to line things up. That one already has that.

So ya, do it!
 
Thanks guys, I put my name on it. Pick it up this weekend. Now I have to let go of a drill press of two.

Anyone removed the head on one of these things?
 
MashingMetal said:
little guy mill/drill
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That looks like an RF-25 machine. I believe they usually have a 7.5 X 23 inch table. Weight is typically about 350 pounds v. 500-600 for RF-30 class machines. Looks like the motor has been replaced.

Nonetheless, you could almost certainly refurbish it and flip it for a profit. Soak the rusty bits in oil for a few days and it will clean right up.

Craig
(I kinda enjoy that sort of project.)
 
trlvn said:
That looks like an RF-25 machine. I believe they usually have a 7.5 X 23 inch table. Weight is typically about 350 pounds v. 500-600 for RF-30 class machines. Looks like the motor has been replaced.

Nonetheless, you could almost certainly refurbish it and flip it for a profit. Soak the rusty bits in oil for a few days and it will clean right up.

Craig
(I kinda enjoy that sort of project.)
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Hey Craig, I agree table is around 2ft. Not the original motor, but the fit is good. Lots of repairs to be done. I have to get the thing out of a basement. That’s why I was asking about removing the head. Needs a stand too.
 
Anyone heard of a First brand Mill/Drill? I am going to unload it tomorrow. First impressions are it’s mediocre build quality, I see on YouTube lots of improvements for this mill. First is to make the stand, bought 2” heavy square tube today
 

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David said:
First machines were made in Taiwan and were good quality. I had an LC-30A and it was pretty stout and well made.
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Thanks @David! It’s certainly heavy enough, I am not too fond of the plastic hand wheels, seems like it’s begging for some upgrades.
I might get it going, and see how much I use it compared to my other mills. It has a crack in the front screw bushing that needs a new part made. I paid drill press prices, so it is what it is.
 
I think mine had a plastic downfeed handwheel. The X and Y were metal and quite stout. If you take off the cover plate from the head there may be writing on the back, part of which might be a date.
 
David said:
I think mine had a plastic downfeed handwheel. The X and Y were metal and quite stout. If you take off the cover plate from the head there may be writing on the back, part of which might be a date.
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I found the date, 1980. Hard to believe that was 45 years ago.

Do you think I will be fine with the replaced 1hp GE motor or should I upgrade while it’s apart?
 
MashingMetal said:
I found the date, 1980. Hard to believe that was 45 years ago.

Do you think I will be fine with the replaced 1hp GE motor or should I upgrade while it’s apart?
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You’ll probably be fine with it as is.
If you were local to me I’d give you the 1.5 hp motor off mine from when I converted to 3-phase. Motor probably weighs 50 pounds.
 
David said:
You’ll probably be fine with it as is.
If you were local to me I’d give you the 1.5 hp motor off mine from when I converted to 3-phase. Motor probably weighs 50 pounds.
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Thanks, I was thinking of adding a VFD at some point, what other upgrades are worth doing? I see some people put concrete in the column.
I am going to start welding the base up tomorrow.
 
Sounds like I'm too late ..... but had this typed anyway lol. Good luck with it.

You've have better mills already. A for sure pass for me ..... from one who's living it, its far too easy to clog up the shop, your time and your life with endless unnecessary projects.

I've dragged lots of machines home and fixed them up that I didn't need and conclude its a mistake. My intent with metal working was model engines. I've barely touched any in a decade as I recondition and fix up old machines, usually that I didn't need but they were cheap. I focused on high quality ones, but the results are the same. My weakness was I can recondition a machine in an evening ..... in my head. In the real world it takes forever.

We all get to do as we please, but as you asked for advice, mine is: we only have so many hours leisure time on this orb, spend it wisely making things you really want to make and/or that wouldn't exist otherwise. Avoid big wasters of time - things you don't need, that need work and are only attractive because they are cheap.
 
Quote. I've dragged lots of machines home and fixed them up that I didn't need and conclude its a mistake. My intent with metal working was model engines. I've barely touched any in a decade as I recondition and fix up old machines, usually that I didn't need but they were cheap. I focused on high quality ones, but the results are the same. My weakness was I can recondition a machine in an evening ..... in my head. In the real world it takes forever.

Right!
The reason I can’t fit a piece of paper , sideways in my shop!
 
That is good advice @Mcgyver I have been rebuilding machines for 30 years. My first machines were a Beaver Table saw, 30”vintage bandsaw. Some machines I buy knowing they need a minimum and put them to work. Both mills, lathe and surface grinder, tooling grinder were plug ins.
The shaper and bandsaw I bought needed tones of work, I like to do nut and bolt restoration and I have enjoyed the journey.
Only so much time in the day as you said.
Thanks again.
 
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