I rebuilt the milling head on Larry’s machine a few years back. Bearings were like you said a drill press at best. He’s now snatched up a Bridgeport with the 42" table. I’m supposed to rebuild the quill and see what can be done with the saddle and table. His has the step pulleys on the head, so that makes it alot easier to rebuild. Getting ready to drop the hammer on him and ask him how much money he wants to dump into it. The saddle and table need a complete regrind (about $1500). Told him to run from any used Bridgeport! Still I can make it good as new for about $2300. He has a small Southbend bench lathe that needs some work, but that’ll only cost him two bottles of Blantons! Plus his sister inlaw’s phone number (again).
I used to have a buddy that owned one, and he did some nice work on it (mostly aluminum and brass). I did see a 22 target rifle barrel that he rebuilt that was as good as could been done on a Monarche EE! That’s saying something I might add here. Remember anybody can run a good machine, but not everybody has the talent to run a bad machine. Looks like your doing well pilgrim!
gary