[MoparGuy]

Can anyone identify THIS for me please? I've always called it a mill, but searching for one under that name yields all kinds of useless stuff. I'm trying to price out a (relatively) low cost "mill", but it's hard to search for something when I don't know what it's really called! Second, does anyone know where/how to aquire one at a "reasonable" price? Or a reasonably priced alternative? I tried searching the forums, but again, not knowing it's precise name has raised difficulties... Thanks in advance guys.

 

[powerrodsmike]

I have heard of them being called a head and block surfacer or head and block surface grinder.

If you call it just a "surface grinder" you will get other results, as those typically have the grinding wheel mounted at a right angle to the work onstead of being flat with the work.

I'd check your local auctions for one of those as shipping will be expensive.

HTH,
Mikey

 

[Richard Ellis]

A Bridgeport Mill
______________________________________________Rick...........

 

[Rich1691]

It looks like a storm vulcan #85 block and head surfacer :welcome: :welcome:

 

[[email protected]]

Yes, it is a Storm Vulcan, If you want a "mill" for grinding heads. Look up grinders or surfacers. If your on ebay etc. Look up AMC, Peterson, Van Norman, Winona, Kwik-Way, Cincinnati etc. All have made different styles of machines, automotive machines are usually way different than industrial, but they ain't cheap

 

[SteveC409]

Yes, Moparguy, that is a Storm Vulcan model #85 head and block surfacing machine. It is a very dedicated machine to that purpose. If you are looking for a more versatile machine,( Bridgeport type), it is called a vertical milling machine. If this is what you are looking for try to find one that is close to you as they are very,very HEAVY.

 

[MoparGuy]

Thanks for all the replies. I've been doing a lot of research and I've found out a lot about this machine and all the other's I commonly see around machine shops. I've been looking to expand my garage's capabilities over the next few years to do my own machine work. Seems the equipment necessary to do all the basic work (deck, bore/hone, recondition rods, etc..) easily runs in the multiple tens of thousands. From the very few places I can find them for sale the blockmaster runs anywhere from 6 to 10 grand for operational units depending on condition and tooling. Boring bars can be had anywhere from $600 to over $5,000 with an air float table and tooling. I should be discouraged but I'm not. I guess my wallet doesn't have enough holes already (hey, at least I'm not looking at Rottler CNC stuff!) I should preemptively mention that I'm aware of the skill and experience required to handle this equipment, and I'm fully aware that I don't have it. Though between my brother (a production machinist), The Sunnen's Complete Cylinder Head and Engine Rebuilding Handbook, and all the great folks here on the forums (Machine Shop Tom especially), I feel confident that I can learn my way around. Again, thanks for all the replies and if anyone knows good places to find this kind of equipment, I'd be happy to know!

 

[alittle1]

Here's a great place to start: http://toolandfab.com/

Nice helpful folks around there.