Chevalier FM-3VS 3HP Vertical Knee Mill | 9" x 42" Table | DRO & Vise | 1997

Chevalier FM-3VS 3HP High-Precision Vertical Knee Mill

Serial Number: BM-87A303

Year of Manufacture: 1997

Country of Origin: Taiwan

Condition: Professional Grade / Well-Maintained Shop Use

The "Bridgeport Plus" Professional Workhorse

The Chevalier FM-3VS is widely recognized as one of the most reliable 3HP knee mills ever produced. Built during the peak era of Taiwanese machine tool manufacturing, this 1997 model features high-density Meehanite castings for superior vibration dampening. With a 3HP motor and a heavy-duty frame, this machine offers significantly more cutting authority and rigidity than standard 2HP "clone" mills, making it ideal for both precision toolroom work and heavier production milling.

Technical Specifications

• Table Size: 9" x 42" (Precision-ground with 3 T-slots)
• Spindle Motor: 3 HP, 3-Phase (230/460V)
• Spindle Taper: R-8
• Spindle Speeds: 60 – 4,500 RPM (Infinitely Variable)
• Table Travels (X/Y): 30" Longitudinal / 12" Cross
• Knee Travel (Z): 16"
• Quill Travel: 5" (Chrome-plated with 3-speed power downfeed)
• Head Tilt: 90° Right/Left; +45°/-38° Front/Back
• Machine Weight: Approx. 2,400 lbs (Significantly heavier than standard mills)

Included Accessories & Value-Adds

• Digital Readout (DRO): Fully functional multi-axis DRO for high-precision positioning and reduced setup time.
• 6" Precision Kurt Milling Vise: Industrial-grade 6" vise included.
• Starter Tooling Package: Includes a selection of R-8 collets and miscellaneous tool holders—ready to make chips immediately.
• One-Shot Lubrication System: Integrated manual pump system ensuring all ways and lead screws remain properly lubricated.

Key Features

• Hardened & Ground Ways: The dovetail ways are hardened and precision-ground, maintaining accuracy even after years of shop use.
• Variable Speed Head: Seamlessly transition between speeds without stopping the motor—perfect for optimizing tool life across various materials.
• Heavy-Duty Meehanite Casting: Provides the mass required for deep boring and heavy face milling that would cause lighter machines to chatter.

Dealer Note: "Serial #BM-87A303 is a 'honest' machine. It shows the expected cosmetic wear of a productive shop life, but remains tight and accurate where it counts. The 1997 Chevalier vintage is highly sought after by machinists who want 'real iron' under their work. With the included DRO and vise, this is a turnkey solution for any job shop or maintenance department."