Newbie- Bridgeport M head questions

[BBBBill]

New here. I've done searches to no avail. Search function doesn't recognise M head, MT2, or R8.
I recently purchased an old M head in Florida. Supposedly used to built model radial aircraft engines. The former owner had converted it to single phase. Although the motor is not the correct frame size, it seems to be firmly attached/aligned and runs smoothly. My questions are:
What is the proper type lubrication for the head, ways etc and where to purchase?
Can the head be modified/converted from MT2 to R8?
What could be wrong with the quill feed? The manual downfeed works fine, but the hand wheel (on the front) spins freely without moving the quill.
What is a good source for parts to rebuild/repair one of these machines?
Thanks in advance for any help.

BBBBill

[robe09876]

You have to tighten the knob on the leftside for the fine feed to work and to use the quick feed that konb needs to be lose hope this help's.There is what i belive is fiber washer that drives the fine feed?

[airamp]

Hi,

I own a M head and lived in bridgeport, ct most of my life.

The spindle on the M head is MT2, B&S7 or BS.(british standard 7 Rare and useless to us)

The spindle is most likely MT2 so that is good. Many parts are avalable on ebay (end mill holders, shell mill holders, collets, boring heads and More).

The bed has grease fitting and that is what was used back when it was made. Some have converted it to a one shot lube. A good spindle oil for the spindle cup is all that is needed but keep it lubed. (every 24 hr of use at least).

The knob on the left side is to engage the fine feed wheel.

There are no back gears, power down feed or spindle lock.

No the spindle cannot be changed to R8. It only has a 1/2 hp motor and a end mill holder of 3/4 inch is about the biggest made for the spindle (MT2).

The M head castings are much smaller than the J head so a R8 it will not even come close to fitting the castings.

If you have a B&S7 Spindle parts are also avalable for that on Ebay.

The M head was also made with a round ram and a J head (pulley). That one is a R8 spindle with back gears and power down feed. (no front knuckle). It was a transition to the Dovetale J head and increased HP.

The M head is a great little machine (baby bridgeport) and is much more stout than any of the imports. I love mine but most machinests say get a real Mill.

Still much better work horse than most small mills.

Great little machine in my opinion. Just use it as it is (they did use these to go to the moon so and this is the machine that made the Bridgeport reputation.

regards,
Mike

[BBBBill]

Well that took a while, but it was worth the wait. Thanks, guys!

[airamp]

Hi,

You are welcome hope that helps.

Sorry just saw the tread.

There are many threads here so it is hard to see all if it.

If I can help more send me a pm and I will see what I can do.

Regards,
Mike