Re: Bridgeport Mill head Q's

Dan, I have a "round ram" Bridgeport mill. This is a WWII vintage
style
that preceeded the V way head now in production. The round ram is more
like an overarm on horizontal mills and can slide in or out and
rotate.
The ram is carried in the turret which can be rotated to reach the
ends
of the table, a common setup.
The ram carries the "M head" which is the "tool room" style light duty
head that uses B&S #7 or MT #2 collets (1/2" max dia). Most all other
parts of the machine are the same as now except the Round ram mill had
a 32 or 36" table and 12" saddle travel. So it is smaller and lighter
(1200#), just perfect for the small home shop. The M head is only 6
step
V pulley drive, no backgear.
While the J head has lots of additional capabilities, the M is just
fine
for 98% of the jobs you will do.
I have made refinements such as variable DC motor drive, DRO, finer
down
feed and in the works, CNC control. Loads of fun, Rich Dean {:-)

> What part of the machine is considered the ram vs the head? The head is the
> part that has the motor and quill, right? The ram is the part that allows
> translation motion of the head in the y-axis, right? (moving closer to and
> farther from the face of the operator). Are they swappable among Bport mills
> of a certain age, i.e. do the bolt patterns that need to match up match up
> etc.?
>
> Thanking you in advance, as I attempt to inoculate myself against a
> particular strain of hoof-in-mouth disease. Private replies or simple URLs
> appreciated, although you are most welcome to reply on-list if you think
> such a basic topic is of interest to the general population.
>
> --dan fox