Thread: Finally done, Bridgeport restoration

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I finally bought a bridgeport knee mill, after much searching and research I decided to by a used (most are as the new are partially imported and not said to be the quality as old) and totally restored/overhauled the beast, using it pretty much exclusively for hot rod parts (inspired by Steve). After consulting the local machinist who told me not to get into the head, which is a vari-speed model I did, I figured the ol' thing lasted 45 years and it won't hurt to go through it and replace all bearings and belts besides it reassures me I won't ever have to now. All went well and isn't beyond anything like rebuilding a motor, and the actual restoration was closer to restoring a car as these things where 100% body filled from the factory! I used auto urethane paint on top of epoxy primer. I installed a power feed and 3 axis digital readout, now its done I can't believe I have been without one so long! I used my Cinncinnati lathe for small face milling but really missed not having a mill. It turned out to be a great winter project and as everyone with a Bridgeport knows its a tool thats worth having. They both go together like Beans & Weenies I guess. I never took any before pics, I guess I should, have but trust me there is not a stitch of original paint left on her. Sorry the pic isn't rotated 90 degrees, I can't figure that out as its only like that after importing it? Bridgeport.jpg My unrestored lathe Cincinatti.jpg

Yep they are great----I also like my Index mill-similar machine but has power feed on all 3 axis-----only dislike is that it uses a B&S #9 spindle where my Bridgeport has the common type.

Did have 3 Bridgeports but sold off 2 of them when I moved my shop home-Now 1 Bridgeport + 1 Index.
Having 3 of the Bridgeports allowed me to use common tooling fro all three----could leave the heads set at an angle for head/manifold stuff and use another one to do something else like drill angle holes for main caps, etc,etc

Can we be friends?

Nice piece of equipment! And a wonderful job on the restoration. DRO is a dream for mine... maybe someday! LOL..

Let's see.........

Thanks Uncle Bob!

Originally Posted by Matthyj

Thanks Uncle Bob!

Ditto!! I was getting a crick in my neck trying to look at that beast!!

Great job on the mill, I have machine envy! I rebuilt a couple lathes, and presently have a Rockwell 12" vari speed. I always
wanted a Bridgeport, had to settle on a taiwan cheapo. Once you have a lathe, and mill you wonder
how we ever got along without them!
Rich

yep nice job i have some mills and other stuff i rebuilt or built for engine machine work it,s fun

That is beauty & the beast, could not put one of those in my Machine closet. I did squeeze a mill in lately. It is gear drive, DRO, and 120 AC, already added an upgrade, and built a second one. First machining project schooled me on two things.

One X axis must have power feed, manually trying to keep a continuous and steady feed was not in the cards for me. Also being a yawner, the finish was just ok. Power feed cured both problems.

Second, a mill is a chip slinger, makes a mess quickly, drill press is chip free by comparison.. Not sure why I was surprised by that fact, just never thought about it. Insert learn by doing . Solution built a chip containment apparatus, that is easy on and off the table, makes clean up really easy.

Couple of shots of the mill;

DSC_0142.jpg

IMG_1084.jpg

Very nice job on your bridgeport! I'd love to have one some day too!