Adjusting the Backlash on the X&Y Axis of the Bridgeport

[@powerq21]

Thank you Barry! Several years later, people (me!) are still watching your videos & getting good guidance from them! Thanks again!

[@williamf.turner8857]

Hi Barry. I’m a furniture builder who happens to own a Bridgeport milling machine. Really appreciated your video on breaking down the table, saddle and knee. Wished I had watched it before I erroneously shot grease into all the zerk fittings. Duhh! Tell me this is a common mistake among the non-pro-machinist set. While I have faithfully applied way oil to the ways, I never realized there was a way to inject it through the zerk fittings. Wish the Bridgeport had affixed a ‘NO GREASE’ warning to the machine. But, thanks to your excellent video, I now have cleaned all the grease from my table, saddle and knee, and have a much better understanding of those parts. Thanks again! William Turner

[@silverbullet7434]

Snap on and Mac tools sell them , don't know about matco or Cornwall but I'd bet they do even HF will have the long screwdrivers. Bridgeport is really an amazing invention , if I had my legs back I'd buy one and refurbish or restore to like new , down to the scrapping . Thanks for these videos I live vicariously now . But spent forty plus years as a machinist and mechanic.

[@chrisleech1565]

You guys should really be doing more content. Barry is a natural, and the videographer is spot on :-)

[@yngveamundsen5184]

Great video indeed! I used this info, did the same job on our Bridgeport and got approx. the same results as you got. The machine feels much better now regarding accuracy and is ready for at least 10 more years of service. Thanks a bunch! *thumbsup*

[@terrycullen6290]

Great Vid !!! In the middle of rebuilding my Series I and you guys have been great with parts and help !! Keep them coming !!

[@1995dresser]

I do it a little different for the Y axis I take all 4 bolts out of the end cap and just wind the screw out with it out then I can clean it and oil it make a small adjustment and wind it back in and only put two bolts catacorner in the end cap and check your specs if not in spec remove the end cap and readjust but what ever way works for you is good also

[@codprawn]

Awesome thanks! I thought I needed to change the nuts didn't realise they were adjustable!

[@cramersclassics]

Great job Barry! I'm going to try your procedure now. Cheers.

[@trader891]

Awesome. I didn't know it was adjustable.

[@gordonagent7037]

Barry, another fantastic video, well filmed and narrated, heaps of info for rebuilding our home machines. Do you ever install and film X,Y & Z axis for a DRO, would love to see that and also what would you recommend for a knee power drive motor. Please keep the videos coming, it really is splendid of you to share info with us. I live in Outback Australia but are feeling quite confident doing my rebuild, I have made heaps of notes and just keep rerunning your video as I pull the parts down....you are my virtual mentor. Honestly, I feel quite humbled that I can glean your years of experience and use it to good use on my own workshop rebuilds.

[@kendog4570]

Great video. How about one on adjusting the gibs? Thanks.

[@dacoelec]

Excellent video!!

[@willemstaal5337]

I have a question. This mill is equipped with a x/y nut holder made of cast iron I think where the leads crews are sitting. It it possible to bore these out so you can put a few ballscrew heads in this nutholder? Or replace the whole kit and caboodle with a homemade cross section? It will get rid of all the backlash and makes this mill adaptable for cnc..

[@HWMachRepair]

There are several CNC packages that require you to drill and tap into the existing Feed Nut Bracket so yes, you can modify the bracket as needed provided you have the required room to do so.

[@jagboy69]

What's the plan if the large screw won't tighten anymore to remove the backlash? Time for some new nuts???

[@HWMachRepair]

Normally if you run out of adjustment for your nuts then yes, it is time to replace the nuts. If you take it out and find you already have the two piece nuts and they seem to be in good shape you can rotate one of the nuts out one revolution to create additional adjustment. Give us a call at 800-285-5271 to order the parts or if you have any additional questions. - Barry

[@john28042]

Thank you so much

[@charliebub2627]

Thank you for the great videos. Are the small screws the same for x and y ? My Lagun is also missing screw. Cheers

[@HWMachRepair]

Yes, the screws are the same for both the X&Y axis. The Lagun screws are going to be different. You can send me an email and I can get you a quote: [e-mail]

[@randallparker8116]

Cool, I can do that. My Y has been bad for a couple decades

[@kristinawashington1773]

great vid. Thanks a lot for this. :D

[@Mogman150]

So, for the Y axis, are you telling me you have to remove the woodruff keys, handle, bearing mount, etc. each time you make an adjustment until you get it right? Seems like a lot of trial and error since you can't make a measurement until everything is back together (unlike the X axis). Thanks,

[@HWMachRepair]

You do not have to remove the key unless you have a power feed on the Y-axis but other than that you do have to remove the handle, dial holder and end cap each time you dial in your Y-axis nuts. - Barry

[@Mogman150]

@@HWMachRepair Thanks Barry

[@muquabangondhlovu4204]

Sou nd baba Amos intrested bt helll no

[@StormbringerMM]

Well that was super helpful!

[@chrisleech1565]

I am looking at my Busy Bee vertical mill and wondering if it has any of those adjustment points :-) oh well,...a guy can dream can't he?

[@patrickc6048]

Barry, Where did you find the screwdriver with such a long shaft. Exactly how long is the shaft on that. Is it a blade of Phillips? Thanks, Patrick

[@HWMachRepair]

I got that at Menards, which is one of our hardware stores here in town. It's 2 ft long and it is a Phillips head. None of our suppliers sells one that long so I will just share the link to it on Menards website: www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/hand-tools/screwdrivers-nut-drivers-hex-keys-sets/masterforce-reg-phillips-no-2-x-24-screwdriver/p-1444451307599-c-9158.htm?tid=-7681567113562538001&ipos=20

[@plainwornout3564]

Patrick Carr Just cut the end off a screwdriver and we'll it to a length of rod. Pesto-change-o

[@tnekkc]

great vid!

[@joshward7896]

My bridgeport has been well used now for 30 years since it was new. I never adjusted the nuts because I didn't think you could do it. Anyway, they're .005 and .007 now took 25 minutes. Question, can a quill be removed without taking the top half off? Mine is real tight.

[@HWMachRepair]

Hi Josh, to remove the quill properly you are going to have to take the top half off. There are ways you can do it without, but you are going to destroy your quill skirt at the least and possibly other parts in the process. Give me a call if you want to discuss your issue, we may have something else that may help you out without taking it all the way apart. 1-800-285-5271

[@internationalpatterntechno590]

Bridgeport j2 head time belt number pls