Problem- Bridgeport Interact1 delivery gone bad...

[PierrePrototype]

Hello All. So after doing my homework and paperwork I took delivery of my interact 1. Then just when we thought we were done... I think the photo says it all. Perhaps a silly mistake to some but this kind of thing happens.
So after you all stop laughing your heads off, could you share some knowledge if any on splitting the interact one from the "neck" so to speak from the "body" thus enabling split entry to the building and re assembly inside where the roof is adequate in height. Also what else runs from the base of the machine to the head? Re conection of the wires is an obvious yes but are there any mechanical linkages I should know about before I hoist thee head off?
Oh yes meant to mention at least with all of this I got to give my 727 a last flight
Thanks again. Pierre

[gus]

I believe you can remove the head assembly from the ram in a similar fashion to a regular bridgeport

I think the bolts are under the side covers, held on by a couple of 1/4 SHC , also have to open the door behind the head mounted control panel, 2 more 1/4 SHC


That said, what i always say is carpentry is cheaper and easier, and more fault tolerant, than taking a machine apart

[Harb]

is there anyway you can lay it over onto some sort of trolley and they stand it up again once its in ?
I would agree though that a bit of carpentry might be less of a nightmare......

[colin1544]

Hello yes there is something awkward take off one of the plastic side covers on the ram and feel for the 4mm dia plastic tube that goes to the Z axis ballsrcew it is the lubrication pipe. I have split the head on mine several times and I have put a push together 4mm air fitting because believe me if you don't split the pipe you have a long job to replace it. You have to remove the electrical panel from the rear because the only access is through a plate attached to the rear of the column as the pipe goes from the auto lube pump through the base casting and up into the column, to get to the other end you have to lift the drive section off to reconnect it, so just make sure you can hold the pipe cut it and secure the end going down the column with some string or wire then on re-assembly use the push together air fitting to join it. Hope this does not sound to complicated but if read could save you a lot time and effort. Cheers Colin

[CASTLEVILLE]

Pierre,
To get mine in my shop I clamped a 6in by 6in by 12in block of wood with a3/4in hole drilled in it to the table. Put a 3/4em holder with a 5.5in by 3/4 drill rod in it place in QC. Then i just unbolted ram assembly(I think 4 bolts under covers) slide drill rod into block of wood and used some nylon tie straps to hold it to the table. I am pretty sure all the cables and lube lines have enough slack that you shouldn't have to undo them.
Eric

[Harb]

Ok , I give in..... whats the 727 cockpit for ?

Harb

[MrWild]

Been there, done that and if you're really careful, it should be okay. I split the whole head off the colume. First I blocked up the spindle up off the table. Then the four big 7/8" nuts come off. You then raise the assembly with the hoist to get it off the bolts. Slowly lower the table and hoist holding the head from getting away from you so the head assembly tilts forward. The assembly will slide a little back and seat into the colume. This whole shebang then wil tilt a little to the side and you can get it in your shop.

Been there, done that, to put it in and take it out. Never want to do it again. Be prepared to do a Monty Python (run away) if things get out of hand.

[TOTALLYRC]

I bought Gus's Btc-1 and had a similar problem. I would have used his suggestion about a carpenter but my loving wife wasn't keen on the idea. Plus a carpenter can cost real money and you just may not want cut into you building. I took the machine apart outside with the help of a skid steer loader (read Bobcat). I however was faced with the challenge of reassembly inside without the ability to bring a machine inside.
I remembered that I had an engine crane in the shed and was able to use it for reassembly.
I would have used it for disassembly but my yard is dirt/mud.
I STRESS that you be carefull. It only took a couple of hrs to reassemble the head and reconnect the wires. All by myself.
I would post the pictures but I can't seem to find them

It really is not that big of a deal and then all you have to do is retram the head which shouldn't take more than 20 min or so.
I fyou don't own or know anybody who has one, a 1 day rental is under $50 dollars and will save you a lot of grief. I can see taking the head off just enough to get inside the door with all the wires still attached leading to disaster as you will be moving the head and machine at the same time.
If you do it without taking the wiring apart and just block it up on the table. Be sure to use a couple ratchet straps or chains to really secure it well. We don't want any broken machinist on our hands.
Mike.

P.S. I am starting to get the hang of this posting of replies stuff.

[PierrePrototype]

Hi All,
thank you for the replies and the advise... Im not to keen on bashing out walls or taking off roof panels so I am going to go for the removal of the head. I have a 2ton engine jack that I rebuilt my Bridgeport/Shipley 1es with so it looks like we get to have some fun with that toy for a change
Ah yes Harb, the 727 cockpit?! Well long story short they scrapped the poor thing and I just couldn't resist at the price and since most of my products are in simulation equipment for aviation I figure it will be used one way or another. Worst case senario it will be put in the pub!
Have a good one
Pierre

[TOTALLYRC]

Dear Pierre,
How about an update?
Did you get it inside?

Mike