rebuilding bridgeport

[MBG]

I got on my hands an old style bridgeport. Anybody on here rebuild their bridgeport before?

[ichudov]

Are you talking about a CNC or a manual Bridgeport?

[MBG]

manual bridgeport. It seems I cant buy one for less than 1000. Most say they can scrap it for more.

[mactec54]

MBG

If you have to rebuild it, it most likly is not worth $1000,Take a look on ebay

If they take it to the scrap yard they will not get anywere near $1000 for it

[ichudov]

you can sell parts to make some money

[MBG]

Originally Posted by mactec54 MBG If you have to rebuild it, it most likely is not worth $1000,Take a look on ebay If they take it to the scrap yard they will not get anywere near $1000 for it

Well, I am looking to get one. I want to spend around 2000 max. I figure if I get one off of ebay it is going to be 800-900 to ship to florida.

If I get one locally I could get a better machine and pay less in shipping.

So, I might be looking for a light rebuild. (paint and the such)

Just wanted to know more info about these kind of things.

[ss_again]

Have you thought of a knock-off import like a Supermax? They are generally cheaper and arguably about as good. Especially for a hobbyist.

[MBG]

Originally Posted by ss_again Have you thought of a knock-off import like a Supermax? They are generally cheaper and arguably about as good. Especially for a hobbyist.

To be honest, I want a true bridgeport. Always have always wanted. I learned on them and always been around them. I plan on using it for fixturing for my cnc machine.

[mactec54]

MBG

The most important things to look for are the inside of the spindle, if this is good, the rest of the machine is most likely ok to, the other part to look at is the ways on the Knee, if the scraping is good front to back, you have found a good machine, any other parts of the machine, you can fix with new or used parts if they are needed

[MBG]

Originally Posted by mactec54 MBG The most important things to look for are the inside of the spindle, if this is good, the rest of the machine is most likely ok to, the other part to look at is the ways on the Knee, if the scraping is good front to back, you have found a good machine, any other parts of the machine, you can fix with new or used parts if they are needed

Thanks, I think I am going to go with a local machine.

[aminear]

I rebuilt the top end of mine, bearings and belt were the only problems.
Don't forget the motor bearings also, those were in the worse condition on mine. There can be some difficulty removing the pulleys on the continously variable speed ones. If it is the step pulley style they are easier. The only bearings I didn't require was the spindle bearings.

[79TigerPilot]

I acqured a step pulley J head BP about 20 years back that I recently rebuilt. Did a complete disassembly, cleaning, stripping and repainting. Had the table and ways ground and scraped. It was a fun project except for the Bondo. If I didn't already have the BP I would have looked for some newer CNC mill, but I pressed on and converted it to CNC. The table and ways grinding was fairly expensive and more than I really wanted to spend on an old mill. Still working on the conversion but its making parts, just need to finish up an e-cabinet for the electronicsl.

Picasa Web Albums - CNC Mill Project

Just make sure you have a good engine hoist -- there are no light parts in a BP.

Craig

Originally Posted by MBG I got on my hands an old style bridgeport. Anybody on here rebuild their bridgeport before?