Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: NEW conversion project....

>
> In a message dated 05/23/2000 1:21:48 PM Hawaiian Standard Time,
> jmelson@... writes:
>
> << I understand this is an extension that attaches to the end of the
> leadscrews?
> That is different from Bridgeport's design, where the screws run
> straight
> across, from handle to handle. One handle bracket has 2 bearings for
> axial constraint, the other only has one free-floating bearing.
>
> Jon >>
>
> Jon,
> If you got a Bridgeport J head with the factory optional power feed box,
> there is a coupling and a couple of pins in the leadscrew on the right hand
> side. To change this unit out to a "Servo" brand power feed, there is an
> expensive kit that has all the brackets and such to space the feed unit away
> from the table. This enables one to not lose so much travel in the X+
> direction. I think it's great if you want to CNC your existing Acme screw
> but it matters not to the guy swapping in a ballscrew. If the machine has the
> power feed, then the right hand bearing bracket is useless. Either a new one
> needs to be carved from plate or a replacement needs to be found at a machine
> recycler.
>
> Other brands may be similar?

Ok, here's the story.

According to a 30 foot steel measuring tape, my table the exactly
the same size as the 2 bridgeports the school has, as are almost
all the machines in the shop BTW. There are 5 brands I can think of
right off.

I think the Power feed for the table is exactly the reason for the right
hand end of the feed screw being a 2 piece setup.
That was what the instructor presumed as well.

The power feed is a Servo products unit, and I was told they are rather
expensive at $500.00. The bottom gear was stripped,it was not a problem
with the top bevel gear not being tight enough as I presumed.

I can get a new gear for $25.00.

The Table damage is a non issue aside from plugging the hole.
I measures flat to within 2 thou from normal wear and is in no
way warped, bent or cracked, aside from the obvious hole.

I plan to go pick up a couple of large wetstones and smooth the
top a bit. It has the usual minor pits and scratches after 22
years of use, but nothing major, it would just look better with
a nice morror finish.

The feed screw end is now straight to within 3 thousandths at the
extreme end 4 inches from the left hand bearing position.

The smashed threads were fixed with a single point threading tool.


Now I just need to go thru the whole machine and adjust, clean and
test everything.


BTW, it cost me $500.00.
I imagine the fact the auction flyer listed it as a drill press helped
a bit as well. :-).

Still there were about 8 people that were bidding.

The obvious damage was also a good thing from my standpoint.
I lot of people were afraid of it.
It would have sold for 2 to 3 times as much without the OBVIOUS
damage even if the quill had 30 thousandts slop in it and the
Ways were shot.

THOSE things would have been expensive to fix.

Marc