On/Off Power Switch Linkage for Bridgeport Milling Machines

TwoWheeler · Feb 25, 2021

I'm looking for a little linkage kit that links to the on/off switch on the side of the head on a manual Bridgeport Vertical Mill. It allows you to move the switch down to near the side of the head where the quill feed is.

I know they make such a thing - I've seen them in other shops - but have no idea what they're called, so I don't know what to search for! "Bridgeport Switch Linkage" doesn't bring me anything....

DDoug · Feb 25, 2021

TwoWheeler said:
I'm looking for a little linkage kit that links to the on/off switch on the side of the head on a manual Bridgeport Vertical Mill. It allows you to move the switch down to near the side of the head where the quill feed is.

I know they make such a thing - I've seen them in other shops - but have no idea what they're called, so I don't know what to search for! "Bridgeport Switch Linkage" doesn't bring me anything....

Dis ?
PN 1034-Vs E-Z Switch - Misc. Machine Accessories - Machine Accessories

Bill D · Feb 25, 2021

Delta/rockwell jointers used a toggle switch that had a metal toggle with a hole drilled sideways at the end. A piece of stiff wire went up and had a knob up higher. It may have been for forward reverse?
Most circuit breakers have that hole.
Bill D

VINTAGE CUTLER HAMMER Switch Delta Rockwell Drill Press Band Saw Jointer Table - $39.95 | PicClick

TwoWheeler · Feb 26, 2021

digger doug said:
Dis ?
PN 1034-Vs E-Z Switch - Misc. Machine Accessories - Machine Accessories

That's exactly it, but this is in the description: (does Not Fit Step Pulley Head)

It's only for 2J.

DDoug · Feb 26, 2021

TwoWheeler said:
That's exactly it, but this is in the description: (does Not Fit Step Pulley Head) It's only for 2J.

Just call them on the PHONE.... :nutter:

TwoWheeler · Feb 26, 2021

There's a piece of stiff wire going to the switch, now. The biggest reason is that they insist on having the column spacers in all three machines, which makes the switch really hard to reach for a lot of people. (Myself included).

It's redneck and stupid, but also dangerous because the "off" position can be hard to find - it's really easy to overshoot "off" and hit "reverse", which is the LAST thing you want, when you're shutting the machine off in a hurry. The three of us who use the machine on a regular basis have "the knack" of using this cheesy setup, but we're not the only users.

TwoWheeler · Feb 26, 2021

digger doug said:
Just call them on the PHONE....

Somewhere, my wife is in hysterics at that statement. (I HATE phones). But yeah, I'll have to stoop to that.

Bill D · Feb 26, 2021

Replace the switch with a contactor and a remote switch or two to control the contactor.
Bill D.

DDoug · Feb 26, 2021

TwoWheeler said:
Somewhere, my wife is in hysterics at that statement. (I HATE phones). But yeah, I'll have to stoop to that.

They have a counter....I've...wait for it...."Driven there" ..."parked my truck outfront"...
and "walked in"...to "speak with" a..."Real Person".

They have much more than what's on the website.

Amazing concept.

Mud · Feb 26, 2021

I'm pretty sure the HQT linkage is what I modified and installed on my Wells Index 40 years ago, for the same reason. Works great.

rons · Feb 26, 2021

My mill came with a linkage like that. It can be made DIY by just figuring out a key angles and distances.
Anyway, I removed the stuff because there is no advantage to have a lever 12" lower.

TwoWheeler · Mar 1, 2021

rons said:
there is no advantage to have a lever 12" lower.

There is on this machine because they insist on having the 4" column spacer in the machine.

Mr.M · Mar 1, 2021

Could you not just extend the wiring and move the existing switch lower? If you only need to go 4-5" you probably can shift it with the existing wiring. Doing a linkage setup seems way to complicated for something this simple

TDegenhart · Mar 1, 2021

Mount a electrical box where it is convenient, relocate the drum switch in that box and run a cable to the motor box. much more secure than piece of wire that can be caught in the swarf with unintended results.

Tom

Modelman · Mar 3, 2021

digger doug said:
Dis ?
PN 1034-Vs E-Z Switch - Misc. Machine Accessories - Machine Accessories

Perfect. I've been wanting to move the swith down as it's becoming difficult for me to reach that high, so I ordered one last week This morning I get an e-mail from HQT; they are discontinued and they are refunding my credit card payment. :bawling:

Dennis

Zaxxon · Mar 5, 2021

If you are still looking for this, I think I have the modified drum switch, linkage and lever from my J-Head BP. I added a VFD and a new control box and removed that original linkage/lever/switch from my mill a while ago. Send me a PM and I can go digging for it, I think I have a pretty good idea where I stored it...

--Zax

bsg · Mar 5, 2021

Mr.M said:
Could you not just extend the wiring and move the existing switch lower? If you only need to go 4-5" you probably can shift it with the existing wiring. Doing a linkage setup seems way to complicated for something this simple

This is exactly what I did on our Prototrak at work, it has a four inch riser and is larger than a Bridgeport series one......also moved the push buttons for the power draw bar to the same bracket!

Kevin

moonlight machine · Mar 6, 2021

TwoWheeler said:
I'm looking for a little linkage kit that links to the on/off switch on the side of the head on a manual Bridgeport Vertical Mill. It allows you to move the switch down to near the side of the head where the quill feed is.

I know they make such a thing - I've seen them in other shops - but have no idea what they're called, so I don't know what to search for! "Bridgeport Switch Linkage" doesn't bring me anything....

KIT? WTF? You have a milling machine, make a bracket to lower the switch. I have done it twice now and it is no big deal.

On/Off Power Switch Linkage for Bridgeport Milling Machines

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