Thread: New Additions to my old Bridgeport

I know compared to a lot of you guys my little set up is not all that, for me though, I am pretty excited about it. I bought my first machine tool (My Bridgeport mill) about 8 months ago and Imediatly made a list of tooling and additions I wanted to make. Now 8 months later I have over the last 3 weekends finished my list. This posting is not so much for asking any questions as much as it is just to show off my little corner of my shop. Any suggestions or comment are, as always, welcome.

Try not to be too critical of my work...
Joe

The newest part I just made for my mill spindle is a coolant nozzle mount and spindle light, was hoping for it to be a little brighter, next one I make will be with bright white LEDs instead of cool white LEDs.

what led strip did you use? nice work..

Very cool!!
Tell about the lights.Where did you get them??
Chuck

Another new accesory I added over the last few weeks was a new 4 Axis DRO. Extreamly time consuming but so worth it when I was done. The guy I bought it from said he installs a 4 axis in about 10-12 hours....I think I has about 35 hours in it

Originally Posted by Avrgjoe

Another new accesory I added over the last few weeks was a new 4 Axis DRO. Extreamly time consuming but so worth it when I was done. The guy I bought it from said he installs a 4 axis in about 10-12 hours....I think I has about 35 hours in it

Ive never seen a 4th dro scale on the knee. is it worth it? lookin good

and just a couple more of the DRO..

As I said there have been several additions to the old Bridgeport...here is another. This is the ITW Accu-Lube coolant system.

In ccase you are wondering, the air station on the front of the mill supplies air to the coolant system and to a blow off tool along with an extra air port for...???

And one more ting you may have already noticed was the TECO Phase converter / VFD

I probably should have done this one first but here is a picture from the day I brought it home 8 months ago and a picture in between the recent aadditions and its final resting spot in my shop.

Originally Posted by vettepicking

what led strip did you use? nice work..

I used an automotive "Angel eyes" ring that is designed to mount inside a cars headlight assy. around the headlight its self.

Originally Posted by vettepicking

Ive never seen a 4th dro scale on the knee. is it worth it? lookin good

As far as the Knee scale being worth it ... Not totally sure the Z and the Q axis will auto sum on the display, that is why I went with the 4 axis system, and it was only $100 more than the 3 axis. I have not acctualy set the display up to auto sum between the Z & Q yet. I have just been using it as 4 seperate read outs thus far. Given the usage so far... I am loving having all 4 read outs. I never realized how much I would use them untill I had them. Going from a 30 year old 2 axis system to the new 4 axis system has made the old girl like a new machine!!

Originally Posted by bigbore577500

Very cool!!
Tell about the lights.Where did you get them??
Chuck

The lights are LEDs mounted in an Aluminum ring from a company called Oznium.
Thin Aluminum LED Angel Eyes

Nice work! What size is your Vertex rotary table, and how do you like it? -Chris

Originally Posted by cegreen

Nice work! What size is your Vertex rotary table, and how do you like it? -Chris

Vertex is a Horz / Vert. 12", as far as the quality...I don't really gave anything to compare against but it is very heavy and solid. The mechanism is very smooth and as best I can tell very repeatable per the dial. I have only used it a hand full of times but so far, for me and what I am doing it has been very good, I would not hesitate to buy another one if the need was to come up.

I hope that helps,
Joe

Joe,

The LED's are a very creative idea and one that I will copy, but I will give you full credit when complete. I will post pics when complete.....

Later
JohnnyV
NRA Life Member 1976

Joe
I made belt housing covers from kydex. Molded to contour of housing with a little heat. Clips on back.........see that yours are missing.
Dave

I love threads like this, I like seeing what other people are doing.... Nice work!

BTW, what was the cost on the Jenix and where did you purchase it from?

Originally Posted by sophijo

Joe
I made belt housing covers from kydex. Molded to contour of housing with a little heat. Clips on back.........see that yours are missing.
Dave

My Belt housing cover on the side of the switch is there but not on the other side, are you talking about some type of retaining clip to keep the access doors closed? post a pic if you get a chance, I am not ssure what you are talking about?

Originally Posted by UnusualFab

I love threads like this, I like seeing what other people are doing.... Nice work!

BTW, what was the cost on the Jenix and where did you purchase it from?

The cost of the 4 Axis system is $775.00, & I got it from Tim the owner of Linear Measuring Systems in Aneheim CA. Supper helpfull guy to deal with and very accessable. every time I called he answered the phone and every time I emailed he replied with in just a few hours. Very helpful!

Jenix dro

Originally Posted by Avrgjoe

My Belt housing cover on the side of the switch is there but not on the other side, are you talking about some type of retaining clip to keep the access doors closed? post a pic if you get a chance, I am not ssure what you are talking about?

Can't upload pics for some reason. PM me your email and I'll try that.
Dave