Centec 2A value?

[John O SullivanParticipant @johnosullivan12813]

Hi,

I am considering buying a Centec 2A mill and am wondering what it is worth? It seems a good tight machine, has the rotating vertical head and no power feed. Single phase motor, narrow drip-tray.

Thanks

[John O SullivanParticipant @johnosullivan12813]

[not done it yetParticipant @notdoneityet]

Horizontal as well as vertical?

They benefit greatly from the addition of a riser block.

The vertical head, if a good Mklll is likely worth as much, or more, than the rest of it.

Not so desirable ad the 2B, which has more vertical table travel and stronger knee, along with easier adjustment (from the front) and larger table.

Check out completed items on epay? If it is local, it might be better than a distant purchase? 2A machines come up for sale more often than 2B variants, so relatively plenty around. Still a useful machine and likely better value than a (newer) chinese import. It is worth what you are prepared to pay for it.

[John O SullivanParticipant @johnosullivan12813]

Yes horizontal and vertical.

I agree that the riser block would probably have a big impact especially if attempting to do any sort of drilling work aswell.

The head can swivel and has the fine-feed and quill so I believe that is a Mk3. If so it is extremely tight so very little wear if any.

For an amateur like myself I think the 2A wont restrict me much although the extra travel of the 2B would be advantageous. I feel a riser block would do enough to compensate. All models seem hard to come by in Ireland. They appear a very study machine compared to chinese models for sure.

[not done it yetParticipant @notdoneityet]

Yes, a Mklll head. There were two versions. I've not seen the earlier one, except in pics, but think that may be the better one (the later one was cheaper to produce?) but I am just guessing.

I would think that the 2A would be tight for a decent sized rotary table for cutting gears with the horizontal. Even my 2B table seems small and I could do with another 30mm long travel – always need more!

But if it suits and it is not worn, go for it. Definitely a better deal than a chinese vertical-only of the same size.

Mklll heads have, on occasion, made megabucks on epay. One went for over £600 earlier this year! More sensible would have been a little over half that, but auctions can be a bit of a scrap between a couple of bidders who 'must have'.

[Dave HalfordParticipant @davehalford22513]

Buy it for less than £500

The narrow tray marks it as an older one

A 2A can make it's own riser block ;O)

Please be aware the gearbox has a gallery that goes to the knee Gib strip to splash lube it, so keep an eye on the oil level.

there are no oil seals in any of the vertical heads so they leak on warm days.

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