MP Toolman wrote...
I have a Brown & Sharpe 618 Micromaster. Easy to identify because
the column moves in and out (I guess that would be the y axis) instead
of the table.
I have not seen that feature in other brands.

That's a good thing to know. Thanks. I'll check.

Mine is a manual machine but does
have a DRO on the Y and Z axes. I bought mine at an auction for $1500
plus a 10% seller's premium. That included a Walker magnetic chuck
and controller. I thought it was a reasonable deal, but not a steal.

Ok, that's a good data point. OTOH, your market might be better than
mine. I see these things on eBay all the time for way under $1000, but
shipping would kill the deal. Nothing nearby. How much do you think power
X would have added to your cost?

Mine has an oil sump in the base and an automatic pump oiler
activated by cranking the table back and forth. I believe the
versions with automatic motions use the same sump and oil for
both lube and hydraulic table movement.

Interesting! Did I get that right? Rather than hydraulic fluid for way
oil, you are saying it's way oil for hydraulic fluid? If so, it does seem
to make more sense than the other way around...

In the consolidation of US machine tool builders, DeVlieg Bullard
ended up owning the Brown & Sharp grinder products. I do not think
they make the grinders anymore, but I am told parts are available
(though I suspect they are unaffordable.)

Ok, that could be pretty scary, then.

For what it is worth,

At least a word of thanks. Thank you!

Cheers,

Jim