Author Topic: Bridgeport Mill, rebuild (Read 1565 times)

JR · « **on:** November 20, 2023, 10:19:31 PM »

Not that I need more projects, but got this home today. Quite the ordeal, drop trailer, pallet jack, son and off we went.

Took about 3 hours to load/unload, drive was an hour each way. Had to take the motor off to get into my garage. Was 6 hours from picking up trailer to drop off.

Still doing research, but looks to be a late 60s, early 70s unit. 220v single phase, X,Y, Zaxis are powered, 110v.

The trailer pulled like its wheels were locked up, but it worked.

JR · « **Reply #1 on:** November 20, 2023, 10:27:49 PM »

As stated, had to take the motor off to get into the garage. Pretty easy really.

Now the real fun starts. Had a bunch of collets (R8?) and cutting head. 6in brideport vise, that and the cutting head are worth the $500.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 21, 2023, 08:46:03 AM »

That was quite a score. Interested to see just how frugally you can massage the thing back to some like-newer condition.

Good luck!

stlaser · « **Reply #3 on:** November 21, 2023, 01:45:45 PM »

JR, typically you drop the table and rotate the head 180 for transport due to them being so top heavy. Saves on having to man handle the motor too.

JR · « **Reply #4 on:** November 21, 2023, 01:54:10 PM »

I almost took the head off. But just going 40 miles I decided not too. We rolled it across the floor on pipes (old alum hollow axles actually). Got it just high enough to get on the pallet jack I have and then it loaded easy. I should have brough better tie downs, but figured it was a short trip and all freeway (kali freeway, ouch). I set it down on two 4x4s I brought that made it pretty stable.

Big things are getting is in place and level, repairing all the wiring and good cleaning. Ways are way to stiff, but work. Lots of backlash, hope its simple and not new lead screws.

Garage is getting air run everyplace, and a few more plugs.

stlaser · « **Reply #5 on:** November 21, 2023, 06:04:34 PM »

I’ve only ever removed a head once and that was to get it rebuilt. It was a variable speed head not the v belt model. Imo the v belt are more desirable and less overall maintenance.

JR · « **Reply #6 on:** November 21, 2023, 06:58:03 PM »

Quote from: stlaser on November 21, 2023, 06:04:34 PM

I’ve only ever removed a head once and that was to get it rebuilt. It was a variable speed head not the v belt model. Imo the v belt are more desirable and less overall maintenance.

JR · « **Reply #7 on:** November 22, 2023, 02:04:51 AM »

Watched a couple YTU videos on this thing. They came out in 1936. Mine is a 1969 unit, J head per the SN, but the head has a "123xxx" vs the knee "121xxx"

Table is 9x42, in very good shape, but a small chunk is missing from a slot near the end.

The cutter is a Sandvik and is 6in across. Missing a couple inserts and clamps. Search has started for stuff!

JR · « **Reply #8 on:** November 25, 2023, 11:57:09 PM »

Got it set where it will live for a while. This thing needs a name?

Almost lost it though off the pallet jack. Tipped forward (one of the slow motion things) the motor fell off and hit the floor. Broke the starter housing and pulled some wires, not terrible for what could have happened. I think when the wires pulled off it saved the motor from hitting hard.

Did some basic cleaning and found it may not be in great shape overall. Looks like it was greased vs oiled, ways are scratched and will need addressing for sure.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 26, 2023, 10:34:53 AM »

Impressive to see that in one's garage!

JR · « **Reply #10 on:** November 27, 2023, 02:51:03 PM »

Here is the worst on the table. I think some JB weld will clean it up well. Probably never will clamp on the edge anyway.

Bedway under the Y. Thats after a little cleaning. I have a 1x1 granite plate I will clean it up with.

Wiring isn't too bad, but thinking of a VFD anyway. Only a 3/4hp motor. Label dosen't show phase, but shows 115/230 so maybe it can be wired 3 phase?

Flyin6 · « **Reply #11 on:** November 27, 2023, 05:34:59 PM »

Is that deck iron or cast steel? Thinking building up with welding or go the epoxy route like you're thinking

wilsonphil · « **Reply #12 on:** November 27, 2023, 06:24:46 PM »

i have rebuilt a couple of these over the years, that looks like a Jhead. Since its not in it forever home location i recommond a mobile base, there are several to pick from but build one that lets the base sit low. LOTS of nice upgrades to these units not including a full 3axis CNC. A FULL rebuild is around 7K but it has been a while since I have done one. I did all the work other than rescraping the ways I took the base and table to a place that dose that kind of work.

wilsonphil · « **Reply #13 on:** November 28, 2023, 04:42:21 PM »

I used this design a long time ago, only issue with it is all not all 4 wheels caster, easy mod if you want 4 wheel caster just makes it bigger.

JR · « **Reply #14 on:** November 28, 2023, 04:53:43 PM »

Yes, pretty sure it is a J head. Not sure how far I will go on the refit.

I have seen a couple of the low dollys for these things. Almost made one just to pick it up. Already found leveling casters. Thinking 2x3s across the base with angle on the sides for the castors.

JR · « **Reply #15 on:** November 28, 2023, 08:40:40 PM »

Nice plans.

JR · « **Reply #16 on:** November 30, 2023, 03:15:53 PM »

Dang, have you seen the price of romex!! 50ft of 10/2 as HD is $140. I need 30ft to power this, found on Ebay for $40 shipped.

Sammconn · « **Reply #17 on:** November 30, 2023, 05:04:26 PM »

Quote from: JR on November 30, 2023, 03:15:53 PM

Dang, have you seen the price of romex!! 50ft of 10/2 as HD is $140. I need 30ft to power this, found on Ebay for $40 shipped.

Everything that contains metal and even bigger increases for those containing copper has gone absolutely crazy.
Now that price seems a bit even more special than it should be.
At least eBay helping you out.

Nate · « **Reply #18 on:** November 30, 2023, 05:48:28 PM »

https://www.amazon.com/Romex-63950032-Black-Stranded-SIMpull/dp/B0044FVNX0/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=3AZB7DQMM31P1&keywords=6%2F3+romex+50+ft&qid=1701384461&sprefix=6%2F3+romex+50+ft%2Caps%2C111&sr=8-3

TexasRedNeck · « **Reply #19 on:** November 30, 2023, 09:46:08 PM »

Check out Wire and Cable Your Way. I use them quite a bit when I need specific color combos or short runs.

https://www.wireandcableyourway.com

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

JR · « **Reply #20 on:** November 30, 2023, 10:16:13 PM »

I have seen them before but not purchased. Ebay saved me this time. Amazon was no good, just like the box stores.

wilsonphil · « **Reply #21 on:** December 04, 2023, 08:09:37 AM »

JR, I highly recommond you get a VFD, they are cheap enough now and gives you more capibility.

JR · « **Reply #22 on:** December 04, 2023, 03:43:17 PM »

Quote from: wilsonphil on December 04, 2023, 08:09:37 AM

JR, I highly recommond you get a VFD, they are cheap enough now and gives you more capibility.

Looking now. Found a single to single, not a lot of em.

oklawall · « **Reply #23 on:** December 05, 2023, 09:34:09 AM »

JR, Not sure if these would work with your machine or not. But saw them and just on the off case that it is a good deal and you can use them.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/264821239918952/?mibextid=dXMIcH

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JR · « **Reply #24 on:** December 11, 2023, 05:14:09 PM »

Parts starting to come in. Reminds me of when I RR'd my little Wabeco cnc mill after the fire.

JR · « **Reply #25 on:** March 01, 2024, 11:07:11 PM »

Not much new on this for now. Floor is taking most of my time.

I have acquired a few parts, mostly missing nuts and knobs. I did find this cool little bed tray on Ebay. Then the pair was offered for 30% less so I grabbed it.

Done a little cleaning and watching lots of YTU videos.

Flyin6 · « **Reply #26 on:** March 02, 2024, 09:34:13 AM »

That's one serious vice right there!

JR · « **Reply #27 on:** March 02, 2024, 11:48:09 AM »

6 inch Bridgeport, solid and selling for what I bought the mill for often.

Thinking on the wiring I want a system kill switch. Right now there is just an on/reverse switch. That means the power feeds would still run if I turn the machine off, no bueno!

stlaser · « **Reply #28 on:** March 02, 2024, 01:13:32 PM »

I run mine on breakers for a kill switch.

JR · « **Reply #29 on:** March 02, 2024, 03:13:25 PM »

Mill will be a dedicated circut, but the panel is not close. Right now it has an on/off/reverse switch (240ac) and the power feeds are fed from a power strip on the back (120ac)

I want a master power emergency push on the machine that turns everything off.

stlaser · « **Reply #30 on:** March 02, 2024, 03:45:15 PM »

Copy, that’s built into my Mathews mill. In the past I’ve just run a small disconnect blade box on the wall behind them.