My low range seized up on me last week. I still have high gear, but totally lost the low. I've got a full rebuild kit on the way and it looks like I'll be starting a full rebuild next weekend.

I'm confident the mill has all original parts. I just replaced the lead screw nuts in the table and took my backlash from 0.050" down to 0.004". My gibs were worn too and I could rock my table like crazy. I had to use my lockdown levers to control the slop. I shimmed the gibs and took out all the play from my table. It's like new.

The head has been sounding rough since I bought the mill and I'm surprised it lasted this long. I was actually planning on rebuilding it later this year, but it told me it wanted to be rebuilt now.

The rebuild kit was $1,500. At the end of it all, I should have a like-new mill. I'm kind of looking forward to it. Hopefully it won't take me more than two days to overhaul it.

Tony.

Sounds like a fun project. Good luck!

I’m not sure I’d want to know what a new Bridgeport would cost. Good luck with the rebuild.

Remember, pictures or it didn't happen!

Man, if I were nearby, I’d offer to come help with that project!

Well… I’d might be better at spectating and staying out of the way, but I’d still like to be around the rebuilding of one of those.

One of these days, I’ll have my own Bridgeport. One of these days….

Back in my working days I did a lot of machine work. In fact, I'd look for projects that required welding and machine work!

benny6,
I am assuming your Bridgeport is the variable speed model where you crank the little hand wheel for changing spindle speed? Similar in design to a snowmobile drive setup?
When I worked in the trade, I saw many of the variable speed heads getting rebuilt.

When I bought my Bridgeport, I specifically looked for the old model where you have to move the V-belt into a different set of pulley grooves. With only eight total available spindle speeds.
It's very simple, and it also came equipped with a single phase 240 volt motor. It's fine for hobby work and not so good for production jobs.
Good luck on your rebuild!

One of the things I would have liked to learn, good luck on the rebuild.

Thanks! I'll keep you all updated with pics.

I have all the tools needed except snap ring pliers and an arbor press. I may need to purchase an arbor press to get the bull gears apart and reassembled. I don't know if I want to to the route of using a hammer and a drift to get them apart.

It doesn't seem too hard. Once I get the whole thing apart, I might head over to the local car wash and give the whole thing a pressure wash, then dry it all out when I reassemble.

Tony.

quote:

Originally posted by benny6:
Thanks! I'll keep you all updated with pics.

I have all the tools needed except snap ring pliers and an arbor press. I may need to purchase an arbor press to get the bull gears apart and reassembled. I don't know if I want to to the route of using a hammer and a drift to get them apart.

It doesn't seem too hard. Once I get the whole thing apart, I might head over to the local car wash and give the whole thing a pressure wash, then dry it all out when I reassemble.

Tony.

Enjoy the project and I'm waiting on the picts!

Why take it to a car wash? Hit the auto parts store, grab a few cans of engine degreaser, a brush and a garden hose.
(Neighbor had one, Warm summer day, and the air compressor to blow most of the water out.)

quote:

Originally posted by benny6:
Thanks! I'll keep you all updated with pics.

I have all the tools needed except snap ring pliers and an arbor press. I may need to purchase an arbor press to get the bull gears apart and reassembled.
Tony.

Harbor Freight is your friend, should be able to get both at reasonable costs since they won't be used for much after this job.

Arbor Press

Snap Ring Set

Years ago I worked for a Bridgeport distributor, and repaired many mills. I also like the J head w/o the variable speed drive. They are much smoother than the 2J heads. Also the J heads are easier to service.

and because its a bridgeport you can get a rebuild kit!!!

I’m glad to hear that it is as simple as a rebuild of a well worn tool. When I read “Bridgeport Mill went KAPUT!”, my first thought was, “Is that even possible?!?”

My senior year of high school and the year after I worked at a machine shop that had about 15 employees. I think they had around 10 Bridgeports. All with the variable speed heads. I do kind of miss those days. Having access to a Bridgeport would be awesome now.

It’s a great time to upgrade the DRO and add a pneumatic drawbar if you haven’t already.