The “free” First LC-1 1/2 VS Mill

[Tecnico]

With respect to quill tension, most full size mills like the Bridgeport and the First mills are designed to "balance" the quill. They should not return or drop. They should stay where they are put. Hope that helps!

This is exactly how my First LC 1-1/2 operates. @grease monkey, is your First an LC 1-1/2?

BTW for Bridgeport machines as well as the clones like a First or a Hartford, H & W Machine Repair is a great source for disassembly and repair info. They have produced a series of very good videos showing step by step tear down and build up of both step drive and variable speed machines.

D

 

[grease monkey]

that does help.
I figured that will my quill, I installed a 3/4" 4 flute end mill and while running and raised, it drifted down ever so slightly, about an inch or so, which could be a problem, thats why I wanted to address it!

Rauce, got a question for you? or anyone else with a First mill, my machine has a soft or light quill return spring, the manuals I have do not elaborate on how one might be able to increase tension on this, do You or anyone else have this info?

This is exactly how my First LC 1-1/2 operates. @grease monkey, is your First an LC 1-1/2?

BTW for Bridgeport machines as well as the clones like a First or a Hartford, H & W Machine Repair is a great source for disassembly and repair info. They have produced a series of very good videos showing step by step tear down and build up of both step drive and variable speed machines.

D

why yes it is, a LC 1-1/2 vs, yours does that too? the one I used at didnt do tis, thats why I was asking!

 

[Tecnico]

well thats just grand! thank you sir, hopefully find what I need!

You may also find suitable manuals on the web for machines sold as Sharp brand. Long Chang makes the machines sold as First and Sharp, in fact some of the Sharp manuals show pictures of First machines.

D

 

[Tecnico]

that does help.
I figured that will my quill, I installed a 3/4" 4 flute end mill and while running and raised, it drifted down ever so slightly, about an inch or so, which could be a problem, thats why I wanted to address it!

why yes it is, a LC 1-1/2 vs, yours does that too? the one I used at didnt do tis, thats why I was asking!

My First is a TM but they’re pretty well the same machine otherwise.

My machine actually creeps up just a bit when fully extended but otherwise it stays put so I assume it’s behaving correctly or at least acceptably. I think I’d rather have it creep up a bit rather than down.

D

 

[Susquatch]

@Tecnico @grease monkey

One of the things I did on my BP was to reverse the quill lock (put the lever at the back instead of the front so gravity is your friend) . That sucker don't move anymore. Might be of use to you guys too.

 

[wmetfab]

Right now the mill is being stored at a friends shop here in Hamilton. I’m not sure how soon I can get started but my plan is to disassemble all the major parts there and clean everything up (ram, table, saddle, knee, column ways, leadscrews etc.). I’ll take the head with me to diagnose the issue with that at my place.

The motor is 575v and no use to me so I’ll be setting that aside. How I’ll be powering it is still TBD.

One option is adapt a 2hp 3ph 220v motor to the vari speed mechanism and use the Teco 2hp VFD I already have powering my excello mill to provide 3ph power.

Option two is to use the clearpath servo I have and omit the vari speed mechanism for a fixed drive with the hi-lo gearbox still in use.

The handling of the machine in the first picture is terrifying. A heavy strap or even chains with softeners would be much safer. Just saying..

 

[Rauce]

that does help.
I figured that will my quill, I installed a 3/4" 4 flute end mill and while running and raised, it drifted down ever so slightly, about an inch or so, which could be a problem, thats why I wanted to address it!



why yes it is, a LC 1-1/2 vs, yours does that too? the one I used at didnt do tis, thats why I was asking!

My First has a stronger quill spring than most mills I’ve used, not quite strong enough to overcome static friction and gravity but will continue to retract once it starts.

The spiral flutes of a endmill will put a downwards pull force on it while milling. Even with the quill fully retracted I still engage the quill lock.

 

[Rauce]

The handling of the machine in the first picture is terrifying. A heavy strap or even chains with softeners would be much safer. Just saying..

I didn’t like it much either but I wasn’t in charge in that situation… same goes for the last picture there.

When I later unloaded the machine that became mine at my end we used straps.