This is worse than trying to find the right vehicle to purchase...
So I found this Bridgeport not too far away. Several things make me like it, a few make me want to shy away..
Starting with the things that bother me.
A) I found it listed in Ebay with no bids. I wrote the seller an email, we corresponded. I suggested he put up a "Buy it now" or "Make offer option" He replied with "Just make me an offer".. I did, we negotiated via email. Towards the end of negotiation he used the "Someone else offered X, you match it and its yours trick" I backed away, he came back with "Mr. X can't take delivery for over a month, I'll take your last offer"
B) During this time, a bid has been placed on Ebay, I don't know how the seller plans on handling this. I asked in last email and am awaiting a response.
Things I like about it.
A) It is within driving distance
B) Comes with a DRO, Two vices, a broken power feed, and some tooling...
C) Price is @ $3800, within my SWMBO Budget criteria and possibly a bargain if in halfway decent shape, I don't think this is all that great of a price for 1976 Bridgeport Series 1 but I honestly don't know.... I'm also not in any dire need to buy it NOW, but you know how kids and toys go :)
D) Supposedly the chrome plated ways still show "Checking" and the head is "quiet"
On the last topic, how loud is loud, how quiet is quiet with regards to a Mill head? Do Chrome plated factory ways show checking? Where are the most common locations for wear and how much should I worry about?
Any suggestions or advice?