• Scam Alert. Members are reminded to NOT send money to buy anything. Don't buy things remote and have it shipped - go get it yourself, pay in person, and take your equipment with you. Scammers have burned people on this forum. Urgency, secrecy, excuses, selling for friend, newish members, FUD, are RED FLAGS. A video conference call is not adequate assurance. Face to face interactions are required. Please report suspicions to the forum admins. Stay Safe - anyone can get scammed.

New to me Bridgeport Mill

Good point. You don't even need to remove the ram to get the spider out. Throw in a heli coil and back together in a flash.
 
Hey @RobinHood & @Brent H , a, question for you on the Z-axis crank issue again. I think you are both best able to give a good answer since you both seem to have vulnerable body parts....

I've been noodling this quick release idea and have not really come up with anything really fast. Just wondering if you would use a short lever (similar to the axis locks) that screwed into a threaded hole in the shaft to hold the crank handle tight while in use and then reversed for storage.

Or would you use it once or twice and then shelf it. Making such a system is more trouble than it's worth if it doesn't get used.
 
John Conroy said:
Good point. You don't even need to remove the ram to get the spider out. Throw in a heli coil and back together in a flash.
Click to expand...

OK, you guys. I have no idea what you and @Dabbler are talking about. But it sounds awesome! How does retracting the ram make that possible?
 
Maybe I can answer my own question. If I nod the head back, I think that you guys are suggesting I can crank the ram far enough backward to get access down into the Turret from the front of the ram.

If this works, the best aspect is that the stripped hole is at the front left corner.

Assuming this is correct, how far back can you crank it? Does it hit a stop or could you accidentally overdo it? And how big is the resulting opening. Will it fit an XXL arm or will I have to bribe my bride to do this?
 
Hey @Susquatch,

Regarding the z axis crank handle: you want to be able to disengage it and turn it to your desired position for best use - like if I am running up the table in a plunge in with a milling cutter I will typically operate the z- crank between 10 o’clock and 5 o’clock so I am not bending over all the time to crank the handle a full 360°. This would require a spring type back to keep the handle engaged but also allows you to pull the handle back to relocate it- this would be important if cranking the table to your desired height left the handle in a position that was annoying.
Another option could be to make the handle you grab become a folding handle - like some ratchet handles - this would help keep the handle away from being a hazard.
You could also modify a ratchet so that you could use it at whatever position you liked and then rotate it out of the way? Or you could combine all ideas.
Some guys make or buy a splined drill attachment to power assist raising and lowering the table.
 
Update - I finally got around to attempting a fix on the Turret Bolt Thread on the BP.

@Dabbler - Accessing the interior by tilting the head back and moving the ram back didn't work. My hand is way too big and I couldn't see the bolt mount. Turns out it wouldn't have mattered.

I removed all the Bolts, lifted the Turret assembly off, and had a good look........

@John Conroy - a helicoil isn't gunna work on this one. The ear is actually broken right off. :mad:


20211124_174032.jpg


Judging by the rust on the fracture surface, it's been like that for a very long time.

Just need to decide whether I make a replacement or buy one online.

Gives me the willies to realize that it was like that when it was lifted onto my flatbed with the sellers overhead crane and off with my forks. :eek:o_O:eek:o_O:eek:
 
John Conroy said:
This is the best deal I've seen for a new one.

www.ebay.ca

BRIDGEPORT MILL milling machine WARNING PLATE FOR COLUMN Safety Label | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for BRIDGEPORT MILL milling machine WARNING PLATE FOR COLUMN Safety Label at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.ca
Click to expand...
Icar has one for $60 us + 50 shipping. H&W is 75 +40.

If I was keeping the BP, I'd make a steel version. But I really just need to be able to load it onto a trailer for a buyer with a clear conscience. So I'll prolly order from Icar.

Thanks @John Conroy
 
I have not added up the bill yet. I'm afraid to. I suspect that what I have into this mill by now, not including my free newbie labour, is adding up to a mill I cannot sell. I might be ending up with two mills....... :confused:

And a very expensive divorce.....
 
That will never work. She will want the Hartford and I'll be gone for years hunting the Pacific rim for new lead screws and new gibbs.
 
6.5 Fan said:
There is a saying "better to beg for forgivness than ask for permission"
Click to expand...
I've tried that many times over the years. I even tried the "I thought you already agreed to this route". The trouble with women (especially the cute ones) is that they are so unpredictable.
 
I prolly won't sell it to a sucker. I'll tell whoever buys it exactly what I know is wrong with it, show them that it works as is, remind them that it's a genuine Bridgeport, and even give them suggestions on how to deal with its two problems. I'll also want a small profit.

If that doesn't work out, I'll prolly fix it myself as a rebuilt machine and then either sell it for a bigger premium or keep it. I THINK the bride would accept that scenario.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top