Help a new guy:)

[HuFlungDung]

Baris,

Yes that link you posted to the VFD is about what you would be looking for. I would guess that if you use single phase input, that that particular drive would be derated down to a 1/2hp motor. I don't know what size motor your machine has. Generally you will be okay as long as you buy a VFD that is at least large enough, because you can usually set them up to run smaller motors safely. Double check that your machine has 3 phase now, the motor must be 3 phase.

Re: Z motor: Most guys would mount this on the quill. However, you will need to figure out a way to build a "quill box" which contains the ballscrew, servo motor and linkage to the quill through an existing slot in the head of the mill.

If you choose to power the whole table up and down, this will take a powerful motor or a gear reduction to move the weight. One disadvantage of moving the table up and down, is that you have to leave the clamps unlocked on the vertical ways, which can add more shake and rattle to the mill when you go to use it. However, powering the table up and down will surely give you the most Z travel possible. Which to choose......

[wms]

Originally posted by h3ndrix I forgot to check the collet type, but I am not sure if my machine and this one use the same collet, it looks like it, but not sure. This particular machine is missing all of the collets that belong to it, except one. The machine I have has some of the collets but I would have to check what they are. thx guyz

My guess would be that it is a Brown and Sharp #7 taper. Similar to what the "M" head Bridgeports were.

Had one of them old "M" head machine years ago, wish I still did. Just for fun, Ya Know.

[Al_The_Man]

From the Picture the spindle motor looks like single phase, If thats a starting capacitor mounted on the side, then its pretty certain to be single phase.
Used 3 ph motors can usually be picked up cheap if you want to change over.
Al

[h3ndrix]

Yeah, bad news apperently...it seems that I will not be able to use the bridgeport after all as we discovered why it was donated to the school...it has a crack in the casting right where the head connects to the body, on the inside of the body part. It never seems to work out just when you thought it would...

I will still be using the head and the quill system to make a cnc, but I think I am going to go with a gantry style frame that I will make myself from 1/4" wall tubing. I am thinking about having a 24" x 24" cast iron table or maybe smaller 18" x 18". I definately need t-slots to mount vices and such, it is really important for the cnc to be sturdy cause I will be machining cold-rolled steel as well as aluminum.

I need some input from you guys on this, if you guys dont mind;

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...EBWA%3AIT&rd=1

It seems like a good deal, but Im not sure.

Also, I am thing about using this for the spindle motor, I know its low rpm and but I can fix that with pulleys, my worry is that its not 3 phase like you guys suggested I get for VFD, so I dont know how I am going to control the speed on this motor automatically, any suggestions are welcome

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...EBWA%3AIT&rd=1

Thx a lot ppl, I am really greatful for this forum and you guyz,

later

[NEATman]

h3ndrix-
I'm a newbie too, and here are a few sources that could be of use to you:
As far as the collets, they are either the Brown & Sharpe #7, but more likely they are #2 Morse taper with a 3/8-16 drawbar. These collets can be purchased from MSC, at this link. They even list them as older 1/2 HP bridgeport collets. Do a google search and you might find a less expensive source for these. I bought a set, but you would be better off buying an assortment of the larger sizes, as I have never used the smallest two in the set.

http://www.mscdirect.com/PDF.process?pdf=1582&Keyword=Y

Also, here is a link to help you identify the collet style:

http://www.lathes.co.uk/bridgeport/page10.html

As far as more specifications on this machine, it is virtually identical to the small mills offered by Clausing, and earlier moidel than the Clausing was Johannesson. I have a Johannesson model from 1954, and it is a great little machine. Harbor freight still sells a machine in this same size for about $1500. For more info in the Clausing mill, try this link:

http://www.lathes.co.uk/clausing%20vertical/index.html

As far as the motor, I know that the clausing model was offered with both single phase and 3 phase motors. Until recently, I was thinking of retrofitting my little mill to do CNC work, but I was lucky enough to find a 3 axis Bridgeport CNC for cheap money. I have various parts that could work for this machine, a collection of ballscrews for instance, but the leads are all metric. Let me know if you are interested.

I hope that this helps.

NEATman

[trent2530]

I have found a series I M head bridgeport mill that has been sitting for awhile, but it does run. A little rusty here and there and would require a good cleaning. An x axis ball screw is included for conversion to cnc. Total price, $1200. Whattaya think?

[machintek]

A lot of great theory in this trend but it may be mis-directed. The M head Bridgeport was a light duty mold/die maker machine. It had three different spindles. Some collets are still available from Hardinge but they do not get bigger than 3/8 inch. The parts for this machine have been obsolete for a long time. I believe that if you have a CNC, you want it running and not waiting for a part to show up on Ebay. The ways are not chromed. It is not the most efficient way to get into CNC. If it is a labor of love, then go ahead. But by the time you assemble all the parts, and do the work, You will still have an obsolete piece of iron. My best advice is to look at something more current and factory made. Not trying to be negative, just cautious.

George W.