Bridgeport Manual to CNC conversion...

[Muzzer]

As John says, converting a Bridgeport isn't really the best way to go. I'm also part way through doing one myself (I was doing it when I had the accident with the mouse on ebay) and their construction is nothing like a pukka machine. Having said that, there are quite a few BP-type CNC machines that were made as CNC from new, not just the Interact type. Get one of those with ballscrews, servos etc and fit a modern controller.

[Chaz]

As John says, converting a Bridgeport isn't really the best way to go. I'm also part way through doing one myself (I was doing it when I had the accident with the mouse on ebay) and their construction is nothing like a pukka machine. Having said that, there are quite a few BP-type CNC machines that were made as CNC from new, not just the Interact type. Get one of those with ballscrews, servos etc and fit a modern controller.

Thanks, how do I know which ones these are? I dont have the experience / knowledge? Is anything previously 'cnced' worth looking at?

[Muzzer]

I would say if it's been fitted with servos and a CNC controller from new, it's got to be a good candidate. Could be worn out of course but a lot of the work will have been done for you even then. If you spot one of these with an old controller, it may be a good price and not hard to update. The X and Y servos (and belt drive covers) are easy to spot. If it's only 2 axis, you can do the Z axis yourself.

[Chaz]

I would say if it's been fitted with servos and a CNC controller from new, it's got to be a good candidate. Could be worn out of course but a lot of the work will have been done for you even then. If you spot one of these with an old controller, it may be a good price and not hard to update. The X and Y servos (and belt drive covers) are easy to spot. If it's only 2 axis, you can do the Z axis yourself.

Thanks, have seen a DIY solution for Z where the machines are 2 axis only. One of these (bridgeport or clone), worth looking at then?

Ive got Thor for aluminium but would like something for steels or larger work area.

[Muzzer]

Generally on a quill machine the Z axis is done by driving the quill through a yoke attached where the feed stop used to be.

Have a look at what I've been doing - some CAD models here https://mightyshiz.blogspot.com/2018...on-z-axis.html

[Chaz]

Generally on a quill machine the Z axis is done by driving the quill through a yoke attached where the feed stop used to be.

Have a look at what I've been doing - some CAD models here https://mightyshiz.blogspot.com/2018...on-z-axis.html

Thanks, appreciate sharing this.

[Chaz]

This is perfect but cant get a response from the seller - https://london.craigslist.co.uk/tld/...611374089.html

[Muzzer]

This is perfect but cant get a response from the seller - https://london.craigslist.co.uk/tld/...611374089.html

That looks pretty nice. Seems remarkably cheap. If it is all there, sounds ideal. Even if it's not working it might be worth it.

[Chaz]

Id buy this but its too tall and probably needs more power than I can provide.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bridgepor....c100005.m1851

[Muzzer]

Nice to have full enclosure! When you run full coolant and decent toolpaths, you get stuff everywhere.

There is also a Taiwanese VMC on ebay similar price, possibly better quality and condition, less well known.

You would run these off a VFD. Usually only the spindle needs 3 phase and you can run the coolant off single phase with a motor run cap to create the 3rd phase. The other stuff in the cabinet can usually be rewired for single phase without too much buggerage. And if you need to restrict the max power draw, you can change the VFD parameters or worst case get another VFD where you can do that. If you are drawing 10HP you will be shifting some serious swarf, so dialling it back to a few kW won't be a big issue.