Your import Bridgeport-type mill's variable-speed head finally gave up. Now you're staring at a choice between a used motor with unknown history and a new replacement that needs to fit perfectly. The VSM3 replacement motor is built for exactly this job: a 3HP three-phase unit with pulleys and a drum switch included, aimed at the variable-speed head rather than a step-pulley setup. At $1,499.99, it's a significant shop investment, and the smart purchase starts by checking the dimensions you already have.
Quick verdict
The VSM3 is a new 3HP three-phase motor intended for the variable-speed head of an import Bridgeport-type mill. It brings the frame, shaft, switch, and pulleys together in one kit-style purchase, which removes the scavenger hunt that comes with buying a bare motor. The catch is that it only helps if your mill's mounting pattern and shaft length line up with the VSM3's measurements.
Who it suits
This motor works well for a shop that already runs a 3-phase import mill with a variable-speed head and wants a new motor rather than another used question mark. It also suits anyone who doesn't want to hunt down the drum switch and pulleys separately, because both are included with the motor at this price. If your machine needs a 440V connection, the motor tag includes a 440/220V wiring diagram, though the motor is wired for 220V three-phase.
What stands out
The useful part of this motor is how much of the swap is bundled together. The package includes the pulleys and drum switch, so the drive side of the exchange is already accounted for. The motor uses a 100L frame and offers two mounting patterns: a two-bolt spacing of 8 7/8 inches center-to-center, and a four-bolt diagonal spacing of 9 1/4 inches center-to-center. The shaft measures 6 inches long. With those numbers, you can measure your existing motor's holes and shaft before purchase and know exactly whether the VSM3 will fit.
The intended swap is straightforward: slide the old motor out, slide this one in, rewire, and get back to running. That simplicity relies on the dimensions matching, so the included measurements matter more than any feature list.
Meaningful trade-offs
The main trade-off is precision. This is not a universal-fit motor. The replacement's value depends on your mill having the same bolt-hole spacing and a 6-inch shaft. If your machine uses a different arrangement, this becomes the wrong part, no matter how complete the package is.
The price also positions this as a repair for a working machine rather than a cheap project. At $1,499.99, you are paying for a new motor plus the switch and pulleys that come with it.
Product note
REPLACEMENT MOTOR for Bridgeport type IMPORT MILL 3HP 3PH variable speed VSM3
For a 3HP three-phase variable-speed import mill, this VSM3 replacement stands out for completeness: the pulleys and drum switch are included, and the motor is new rather than salvaged. The 100L frame gives you two bolt-hole patterns to work with, but the 8 7/8-inch two-bolt spacing, 9 1/4-inch four-bolt diagonal spacing, and 6-inch shaft must all line up with your existing motor. It is wired for 220V three-phase, with the wiring diagram on the tag covering 440V as well.
Bottom line
If your import Bridgeport-type mill has a variable-speed head and you have confirmed that your mounting holes and shaft length match the VSM3's numbers, this is a complete and direct replacement package at $1,499.99. If those dimensions do not match your machine, the included pulleys and switch won't save you. Measure first, then buy.
