Noisy J2 head

[Healey]

Hi guys

I have a series 1 EZ Trak. The head seems to be a bit noisy and rattles a bit. This increases when taking a cut - more so on cutting side faces but less when cutting a slot. Any ideas on what it may be. Bearings, cones, splines ?. Iv'e never had one in pieces - yet.
Bearing in mind that here in the UK we don't have access to as much support as you do in the USA and getting spares is near on impossible without going through Bridgeports main agents (very expensive). I wondered if there was such a thing as a 'head overhaul kit' or something similar and if so is it easy to DIY.
I'd just like to get some opinions and thoughts before I wade in and end up with a thousand bits on the workshop floor. It would also be handy to if anybody does know where to go for reasonably priced, obtainable spares in the UK.

Many thanks in advance

[riverrat]

bridgeports are pretty easy to work on and repair.
do you have any parts breakdown's, exploded views?
maintenance manuals. if not send me a message.
i would be happy to scan and e-mail some help.
by the way it sounds like the plastic cover on one of the
keyways that drive the "cones". if so, super cheap part.
we have 3 ez-trak's with all manuals.

[ajl6549]

sounds like the belt and or the clutch is going bad

[riverrat]

Originally Posted by ajl6549 sounds like the belt and or the clutch is going bad

could be, but he said it "rattle's a bit".

[One of Many]

Yessir.

It most likely is the plastic variable drive bushings for the motor and spindle vari-disks, but if you are going to have it apart. Might as well take care of the rest of the "soon to follow" issues.

You can buy just the bushing for cheap, but it is advisable to replace the belt at the same time or the bushings can fail again in short order.

One Ebay example

DC

[colin1544]

Hello if you want some spares try the Bridgeport re-build man Terry Braithwaite at Bridlington he may well be able to help you out or put you in touch with the right person his Phone No is 01262606691 very knowledgeable bridgeport man. there is also a bridgeport maintainence manual somewhere on the web Cheers Colin

[Healey]

To all who have replied - thankyou. I'll get on the case soonest.

Riverrat. I think I have the manuals and will check tonight and get in touch if I don't . May thanks for the offer.

Colin. I've heard of this chap. I'll give him a ring and see what he has to say.

[CNCfun&games]

If you have an older 2J machine with the Black bushings you are in luck.
The newer machines use the green bushings which are not replaceable,
and you have to buy the pulley assembly.
H&W Machine Repair is the best source I've found. The Bushing Repair kit included 2 black front bushings, 2 motor bushings, 1 key for ea., Motor snap ring, epoxy, 2 insertion spacers (which are the same size as the shafts & keep
the bushings in place while the epoxy sets) and "INSTRUCTIONS". The keys are injection molded and are warped and will have to be block sanded to obtain a tight precision fit. You may want to buy an extra set of black bushings from K&W because they are becoming scarce.
H&W website:
www.machinerypartsdepot.com
The biggest pain in the whole repair is re-installing the belt...

the kit is priced at $32.31