Bridgeport spindle sleeve

[flutedchamber]

I have a type 1 Bridgeport variable speed head that the spindle sleeve slips when you move the spindle up and down. I understand that the two washerhead screws are supposed to hold the sleeve in place, but it seems that the quill travel is more than the travel of the sleeve. At the bottom part of the quill travel the sleeve seems to hit something and slide past the two screws.

The machine is used and a has been apart before. I assume that the gap in the sleeve is supposed to go towards the back where the spindle pinion gear is.

Could my screws be worn (the washer part)??

Thanks guys.

[abarnsley]

You must mean the dirt shield (Quill skirt) that slides up and down.

The quill has slots in it to allow the skirt tabs to clear quill in up position. (tabs are often broken off or distorted, due to people trying to drop quill out before removing those flathead screws.....)

A new skirt is probably needed, screws are probably fine. While in there, put in a new spindle top felt if needed (held by same screws)

Slot in skirt does go to back, to clear pinion... Tabs on skirt go down into quill slots, then screws added, not tabs up....

[flutedchamber]

Thank you. You are right, I meant the quill skirt.

When I replace the quill skirt, do I have to remove the quill to install the new one, or will the tabs slip into place with the quill installed?

Thanks for your help.

Roy

[abarnsley]

You can just drop it down in Quill slots.

If it is even a little dirty in there, I would pull quill pinion and drop quill out to clean everything up.

There is a small recess for quill skirt in head casting, not much room for debris..

Dirt in that finely fit quill area, will cause problems...

[flutedchamber]

Thank you for the much needed advice.