Bridgeport Restoration 2: Removing Head, Ram & Turret

Continuing with Bridgeport mill restoration. This time we struggle with a stuck ram, but finally separate it from the turret.

[@seldendaniel8819]

The extended boom is working well, but those C clamps are not enough for my comfort. I think even a few more clamps would be good. I'm sure there are tools around your shop that can be easily implemented. Nobody wants to see an accident. This series is helping me a lot, thanks!

[@KevinToppenberg]

Yeah, that boom is pretty redneck. I can tell you that it all works out OK, but I'll understand if you cringe. :-) Thanks for watching.

[@christinepryor5893]

Your videos are great because I see a man doing this stuff- but I also see a kid just experimenting and learning. Keep having fun and experimenting! 😀

[@KevinToppenberg]

I kid that is just thrilled to be able to do the stuff they couldn't do when younger!

[@anissawood4882]

I like all the videos, regardless of length. Nice shout out to the mockingbird too!

[@KevinToppenberg]

There was one time in my life where I had a "conversation" with a mocking bird. I would whistle, and it would copy me and sing it back. Only lasted for a few moments, but it made a big impression on me. Thanks for watching!

[@anissawood4882]

@@KevinToppenberg That's very cool! You must whistle better than I do. I've never gotten a response from them.

[@MyLilMule]

Hi Kevin. Nice to see some new videos! Making some good progress on the mill. Those parts are heavy, but looks like your Drop-0-Matic 5000 os the "perfect" tool for the job. LOL. I just started to learn to machine scrape. I machined a prism straight edge and took a crash course in scraping from a friend in Milwaukee that rebuilt machines for K&T. It was a lot of fun and a lot of work, but I think you would enjoy the process. We also learned that there's a lot more to rebuilding than scraping. It's also checking the geometry of one way surface to another, etc. I have so much to learn it's mind boggling at times. There MIGHT be an impromptu scraping get together "class" just outside of Chicago in October. Shoot me an email if you'd be interesting in joining. No experience necessary.

[@KevinToppenberg]

Thanks Greg. I just sent you an email. Regarding the Drop-O-Matic, it is very helpful to be able to lift out beyond the extend of the legs. I.e. so I can set something down onto another surface. The problem is when the weight makes the lift want to tip over. I need to find a way to attach mass to the back side. I see you using your lift quite a bit too. So maybe we can design the perfect hobby shop crane together. Ha!

[@tjs_welding_and_fabrication]

I commend you on the wood extension for your crane with the c clamp set up. Takes some big ones.

[@KevinToppenberg]

Ha! I wish I had a crane, but it's not really an option for me. I'm glad it didn't break! Thanks for watching.

[@tomnorman5461]

Looking good Kevin, keep up the good work!

[@KevinToppenberg]

Thank you Tom. Hope you enjoy the videos. Thanks for watching!

[@EverythingWright]

Was waiting for a Matt appearance this video. Maybe next time

[@KevinToppenberg]

Lol! He is working all the time now, so he only will have helped me in that one video. 😅

[@hazyfugazi]

How did you remove the knuckle? Great job btw!

[@KevinToppenberg]

Honestly, I'd have to go back and review that. I thought I included this in the videos. Seems like there is a set screw that releases the worm gear. Thanks for watching. Learn from my mistakes! Ha!

[@camillosteuss]

I at least have absolutely 0 issues with longer videos... If the content is there, the length is no issue... Machining videos anyway should not be a 3 minute digest to watch while you are taking a dump... They are either educational or made to help others with similar interests and maybe the same project or problem, whichever is the case... Now of course, if you want to shorten them for production`s sakes, that is another thing, but i think that any worthwhile viewer will watch any length video... I for one never skipped during or cut short Stefan`s shop talks, which last around an hour... And its not even a cohesive unit in regards to the topic, but its a range of topics well touched upon or ideas demonstrated that make the hour pass like nothing... Hell, i have rewatched some multiple times... I have seen Renzetti`s videos for at least 5 times each, some even over 10 times(the precision spindle rebuild video and some other)... If the cake is great, nobody will complain about it being too big... All the best!

[@KevinToppenberg]

Thanks so much for the comments. I have heard a lot about Renzetti’s channel, but have never watched him. I think I am missing out!

[@camillosteuss]

@@KevinToppenberg He has relatively few videos, so you can check his stuff out... In my view, he is the one who sets the standards... At least to me, his work is pretty much the how-to manual for anyone in the home shop that wants to properly treat their machines and approach working with them... As he says, what he shows is merely covering the basics of how things should be done in a precision shop, but covering 99% of the basics is much more than most people do... His treatment of his lathe for one is an example of how to treat a machine... He uses abrasives on the lathe, which i abhor, but he went out of his way to make a custom lathe cover system that is not just adequate, but offers full protection to the machine from any and all grit... Its a properly made shield for the machine which allows the machine to run, be lubricated and absolutely protected from any and all junk... His DRO setup on machines is also something that commendable... Every part is set up in a calculated way to maximize precision and reduce or negate error or flex... When you have the time, go look him up, he is a veritable treasure trove for home shop guys, machinists, millwrights and the like... All the best and kind regards! Steuss