BTC1 Wanted

[jabuffi]

In about a month I'll be moving and setting up a new shop; I'm interested in getting a BTC1 (BOSS 7.2) and doing a retro as an adventure.

So, anyone got a BTC1 they want to get rid of? Controls can be fried, good spindle motor a plus (not required), good drive motors a plus (not required), I'll pick up.

Please PM me if there are any offers or questions!!!

J

P.S. If you don't have one but know where one is listed or available, I'd appreciate that info too; I've been keeping a pretty close eye on ebay but nothing has come up recently.

[Rickady]

I was looking for one too.
But I want one that works. Preferably a series 2. I don't plan on a retrofit, just a machine to learn on. Then sell it for a better machine.
I have seen them in "working condition" for sell for between $3,500-$6,500. The killer is shipping. A 4,000# machine shipped to central CA can cost as much as $1,500

Thanks for any help.

[gus]

working?

a tall order that

[machintek]

BTC1 manuals
BOSS 7.1
Programming M-143 part number 11040408
Operating M-144 11040409
Install M-147 11040412
Maintenance M-146 11040411

[gus]

But can they be had?

10 years ago, when bridgeport still existed, I had to promise never to call again in order to buy a BTC maintenance manual......

[Rickady]

At risk of changing the subject, I would like some back ground on this type of mill.

If you could PM or Email me as much info you can I would appreciate it.

Why is this type of mill getting so much of a bad rap?
Isn't the mill based on an existing platform?
Why is it so hard to retrofit?
This would just be a hobby mill for me and not a "money maker" at a job site. So I can deal with a few "stoppages" once in a while, as long as the parts I need get done in a respectable amount of time. I don't want a money pit, just a machine that will make my Hot Rod parts and other hobby stuff. Every now and then some side jobs to help pay for the mill and hobby stuff would be nice too.

I own 3 1988 Pontiac Fiero's and one of them has a 2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue engine and tranny with Corvette brakes and 2000 Pontiac FireBird power steering. I can deal with modification and "adversities" and equipment that other don't like or want, I got used to that a LONG time ago.

I am on a fact finding mission so when I do get a machine I wont be blindsided by idiocyncracies of the machine I choose. I just want to know as much as I can right now and make a decision that is based on facts and real world experience.

Thanks, Rick

[gus]

the BTC was the toolchanging model of the BOSS series. It's toolchanger is a fascinating clockworks airmotor gizmo, best known for tossing tools around when out of adjustment. The machine, minus toolchanger was fairly advanced for its time,[early 80's] with servo motors and a freq drive spindle.

Upsides:

Rigid ram cnc iron is the best knee mill iron ever made.

servo motors will run up to 300ipm in retrofit

decent 24 volt systems

Downsides:

Control obsolete, contains wire wrap boards[!!] old DEC computer parts


While a servo system, it was not true closed loop[ it did some counting of servo clicks or something, but mine had a note on it not to leave the machine EMO'd or it would drift]

Many parts unavailable

documentation unavailable[AFAIK]

toolchanger was flaky in its prime. requires huge amount of PLC IO to implement a retro

Spindle taper unique{AFAIK} BT 35 with build in pull studs

Spindle not interchangeable with other bridgeport CNC


If you want something to play with, buy a BOSS 4 or 5 they are basically free for the taking if not running, a few grand if they run, guys here can retro them in their sleep.

[Kevin Taylor]

See BTC Clubhouse I started it and there are many of us in this suport group although I haven't seen many post's new lately I know of Two SerisII machines in the midwest the big brother to the seris one more X&Y but I beleve there on stepper's need to post info also there are several tool hog's with two of them that might be talked into selling there spaire part's machine What part of the country are you in? Gus I don't have my manual in front of me but I think stock the rapids are 300ipm and the tool changer is very fast as little as 10 sec chip to chip not bad for 1980 Iron just don't let the air cylinder run out of oil then it becomes a tool treblishe AKA catapult my midevile spelling is wrong i'm sure Look in in the clubhouse and I'm sure we can hook you up Kevin

[jabuffi]

Bought a BTC1 yesterday and got it to my temporary storage location (at 1:00 am after ) until I move into the new house in a few weeks. Got it from one of the most helpful and concientous men I've ever dealt with, he loaded it with his forklift and even supplied several extra tie downs to secure to my trailer! There really are good people out there!

So now, what's the best source for tool holders? Anyone happen to have a box full they want to get rid of? PM me or reply and let me know!!!

Anyone ever tried to make their own? I've seen plenty of folks make R8 collets for various shank sizes, but I think the BT35 taper with the double flange for the ATC may be an order of magnitude more difficult... Thoughts?

[DennisCNC]

There is a guy on eBay that wants $250 per holder for your machine.

[Kevin Taylor]

Watch Ebay they turn up I may have a few but I need to talk to another owner that I said I could trade some for spair board's Also the guy with the seriesII machines had some extra for the MT35 SerisI. BT35 is the closest thing but the retinton knob is the catch the drive keyway is also a little wider and you would be limited to hand loading the spindel To get started I have some rough ones I might let go Where are you at in the country Dennis I saw them When they were at $150.00 and asked if that was for one or the Whole batch and he replied that they were $650.00 ea from kenametal LOL Good luck Kevin