Good Thanksgiving to the members of this forum. I'm new to this group - and have a lot to learn. My focus is mostly on automotive and general construction - making things that I need. I have an older Myford tool-room lathe, with lots of attachments, as well as a very well equipped micro-machine shop, focused on clockmaking. I am looking to buy a used mill, most likely a Bridgeport. Which brings me to my question: Are there specific years/serial number ranges that one should avoid when buying a used Bridgeport? I understand that one should perhaps avoid an M head, and that condition is very important. I've heard that there was a period, sometime after Hardinge took over in 2004, that some of the Bridgeports suffered from poor-quality components from China or Taiwan. So much for my vast store of knowledge. I tried searching these forums but didn't find anything that covered this. Somehow I know it has been discussed before, so, I apologize, in advance, for not managing to find the appropriate threads. But, I know there are folks on here who can cover this with their eyes closed.
A newbie looks forward to some guidance!
A newbie looks forward to some guidance!