I have Bridgeport Boss 5, Boss 6 (Ser II) and Boss 9 (Retrofitted) CNCs, all with Bridgeport Rapid 8 Power Drawbars. I need at least two replacement drawbars rather soon, and the third ain't too pretty either. The problem is I get bored waiting for the quill to home on the 5 and 6, and often try to remove the tool too soon, so the top of the splined head wears off. Does anybody have a good source for either the complete drawbar assemblies or just the splined head for these machines? I searched all over the net for drawbar parts, but didn't have much success. Any helpful suggestions will be appreciated (except to be more patient, that part I know). Thanks, Fred Howe

Try Kennemetal as I believe they purchased the rights to manufacture this draw bar.
Or call Alan tomorrow at my office, he has a spread sheet of all the available drawbars and he can order them for you. 1-800-245-2598.

If the correct power draw bar was fitted to the BOSS 9 (as an example) the air for the tool removal is supplied by the air line to the brake and there is an adjustable delay device built into the power drawbar can. Thus the ability to engage the draw bar before it is fully up can be minimized.

George

I think I will get out my ladder, climb up there and have a close look. I didn't know about the delay. That would definitely help on at least two of the machines, because the brake on the Boss 6 is just about totally useless. It goes on and off, but it takes almost as long for the spindle to stop with the brake on as it does with the brake manually turned off. Thanks for the help.
Fred

Time for new brake shoes? Or a readjustment of the brake arm?

George