RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Bridgeport CNC

Thanks so much guys!! We'll see if I can muster the courage to do a
"biggen" :o))
Any other input is still appreciated.
Chuck

_____

From: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Leslie Newell
Sent: Tuesday, February 06, 2007 10:17 AM
To: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Bridgeport CNC

If you can find some iron in good condition a CNC Bridgeport retrofit is
a great way to go. Good ballscrews are expensive and retrofitting a
manual is an awful lot of work. I have a Series 1 CNC BP and love it.

> Can I use the BP hardware, including servos and just
> replace electronics or will I have to replace servos too? Any points
> to links would be appreciated.
>

Yes you just replace the electronics. If you get a machine with servos,
don't replace them. For this sort of machine servos are far, far better
than steppers. The older Series 1 BPs were originally stepper but some
were retrofitted with servos. The Series II BPs were all servo. Series 1
machines are similar in size to a manual BP but have less table movement
than a manual. Series II machines are much bigger and heavier.

If you want to do manual type work as well then fit MPGs (electronic
handwheels). These give you the advantages of manual combined with the
advantages of CNC. With a little practise you will find yourself mixing
CNC and manual for one-off jobs.

Les


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]