Milling Machine - Repairs & Maintenance

[@davidschwartz5127]

I'm in the process of restoring a Bridgeport J2 I bought totally stripped down on March 15, 2020, just when COVID-19 struck along with an extended illness that kept me sidelined for another 2 years. I thank you for the video that will help me put some of this thing back together. I'm just finishing the new paint job where I took all painted surfaces to bare metal. If I never get it running at least it will look nice. Ha Ha

[@hersch_tool]

Haha you'll get it running, I believe in you! 😉 Glad the vid could be helpful, they're really pretty nice machines to work on so you're already finishing up what will probably be the most difficult part, the cleaning and painting... Thanks for watching btw

[@Cleatus46]

Oh yes, that was very informative, well researched and very well presented. You have no idea how many disappointing Bridgeport "restoration" videos I have watched recently that consist solely of partial disassembly, cleaning, painting, and re-assembly with zero worn out parts being replaced. Thanks man!

[@hersch_tool]

i really appreciate the positive feedback! thank you so much for watching!

[@yogeshpatre]

Nice informative videofor the Bridgeport Mill users 👍👌Keep it up

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks very much!

[@jryer1]

Much appreciated. Bridgeports for the money right now are easily well worth the investment. I see a Centroid CNC upgrade in your future 🙂

[@hersch_tool]

@@jryer1 thanks for watching, and are you reading my mind!?!? 😂

[@uther10]

Great work, so crazy the teal part was so special.

[@hersch_tool]

Thank you very much! And I know right? Kinda ridiculous lol

[@larrybud]

@@hersch_tool What did that pulley replacement run you?

[@hersch_tool]

@@larrybud I can't remember exactly now, but it was over $200.

[@RustyInventions-wz6ir]

Brilliant people have invented the mechanism and all mechanical. It’s great

[@ThemightyPooge]

what does that even mean

[@RustyInventions-wz6ir]

The machine was made all old style mechanical and worked so well compared to today’s technology.

[@gworx-247]

I like this old Bridgeport Mills, thank you for showing the details 👍

[@hersch_tool]

You're very welcome and thanks for watching. The bridgeport is a good mill, but I have to admit that I would really love to find a nice euro mill, or a "toolroom" mill with mechanical feeds and more features.

[@zerk773]

I have been putting off the same job on my identical machine, thanks for showing how to do it!

[@hersch_tool]

You're very welcome, thanks for watching! And you're gonna thank yourself once you get it over with. It's really not all that bad, and it's SO worth it!

[@opticalmechanic]

I need to do this with my Bridgeport. Mine is noisy and doesn’t adjust the speed much. You made this look easy and it was a well made video. Thanks for sharing and you’ve got a like from me.

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks very much, I appreciate the positive feedback, and thanks for taking the time to watch as well. Also, definitely do it. It's really one of the easiest machines I've ever worked on, you'll be done before you know it and it makes such a big difference. I regretted putting it off for as long as I did.

[@tilliesinabottle]

Cool video! Your channel is growing like crazy, I'm impressed.

[@hersch_tool]

Thank you so much!

[@pikeyMcBarkin]

Love the video! Great work!

[@hersch_tool]

Thank you!

[@paulkeller5953]

Excellent job! Well done and much appreciated.

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks very much, and thank you for watching!

[@ellieprice363]

Thanks for the very clear demonstration on repairing the Bridgeport head. I have the same series 1 Bridgeport that’s so worn and noisy I’m starting to wear hearing protection when using it. The plastic bushings are probably the main source of noise but some of the bearings may need to be replaced also. Mine is a mid- seventies model so may not have the blue bushings. A lot of work but I can’t stand it much longer.

[@hersch_tool]

It is totally worth it. You'll thank yourself. Thank you for watching!

[@KW-ei3pi]

Don't put it off too long. Once the bushing material is worn through, it's then metal on metal and can damage the shafts. A damaged motor shaft can be upwards of $500 to replace. When a Bridgeport starts making noise, STOP.

[@larrybud]

@@KW-ei3pi Correct me if I'm wrong, but the spindle just rides up and down in those bushing. It's not actually turning in the bushing, right? That's why they can get away with some cheap plastic.

[@KW-ei3pi]

@@larrybud That is correct, though the motor pulley rides up and down on the motor shaft, and the front pulley rides up and down on the Spindle Pulley Hub. The spindle itself moves up and down inside the splines of the Spindle Pulley Hub.

[@eddietoft3747]

Great work ! 👍, Very informative, a great video for aspiring machinist's ! 😁, Looking forward to more !🙏

[@hersch_tool]

Thank you so much! And I look forward to seeing you in the comments! Cheers!

[@joell439]

Excellent tutorial. Thank You 👍👍😎👍👍

[@hersch_tool]

Thank you for watching! And for the feedback! And you're very welcome :)

[@petermcneill80]

My son may be doing the same job on an old Bridgeport @ his work it’s very rough running and belt debris can be seen through the air vent above the speed control. An odd symptom we believe to be caused by the condition of the belt is it throws drill bits ( and wigglers ) out the chuck if run with no load it’s a quality Albright chuck. We believe this is caused by rapid rpm fluctuations as a damaged section of belt runs round the pulley ( basically a section of the belt is thinner ) and the deceleration is loosening the chuck. Iv subscribed and forwarded your video to him for a guide thanks 👍🏻

[@hersch_tool]

Wow, if it's running that rough I suspect he'll be replacing bushings and a lot of bearings as well... I wish him luck! It's really not all that bad though, once you get into it. Thanks very much for the sub!

[@KW-ei3pi]

Some info for you that may be helpful. There has been two versions of the 2J Vari-Speed Head. A 2J 1-1/2 hp, and a 2J 2 hp. Yours is evidently a 2J2 that has had the motor replaced at some point with a 1-1/2 hp. The difference between the two heads is the motor Vari Disks, the Spindle Pulley Hub, and the back gear drive (timing) pulley and belt. The pulleys and belt have different types of cogs. The 1-1/2 hp has flat cogs and flat teeth on the pulley. The 2 hp machines have rounded cogs. I noticed in the video that your machine has the rounded type. So when you replace the belt, don't order the one for the 1-1/2 hp machine. It won't fit the pulley. I hope that is helpful to you or someone. By the way, the machine I have was just the opposite. It was a 1-1/2 hp machine that at some point had the motor replaced with a 2 hp.

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks very much, that actually explains a lot. I have been confused about all the weirdness going on in the head of my machine since I got it. I kind of figured "something" like that must have occurred at some point in the past. But I didn't have all of those details, and confusion over which parts to order has been an issue every time I think about doing any sort of maintenance in the head. That's gonna help a lot in the future, much appreciated. And thanks for watching btw!

[@lawrencesears7255]

Good video. I would still machine a new bushing for your old clutch and save it for the next time the bushing needs to be replaced.

[@hersch_tool]

thanks very much. and that's not a bad idea, especially now when there isn't any crunch to get it done because the machine is up and running. thanks!

[@edmundo3317]

Excelente trabajo. Seria posible que me proporcionaras los números de la banda y los baleros que cambiaste...??? De antemano, muchas gracias.

[@hersch_tool]

¡Muchas gracias! Sinceramente, no recuerdo todos los números de piezas, pero sé que el cojinete de la tapa del husillo es un fafnir 9110pp. La correa de transmisión es una correa de transmisión de velocidad variable 2430V345. Para otras piezas, puede consultar el sitio web de H&W Machine Repair. Tienen todas las piezas para las máquinas Bridgeport, es donde compré todas las piezas para mi máquina. Me resultaron muy útiles. ¡Gracias por mirar y buena suerte con sus reparaciones!

[@MASI_forging]

Great work as always 👏👏

[@hersch_tool]

Thank you so much!

[@RB-yq7qv]

what a change nice work

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks very much!

[@MotoRestoFL]

I grew up not far from where that mill was born, I ran one just like that in high school metal shop, 45 or so years ago. Relatedly, my father worked for US Motors (who made the motor for your machine) in the late 50’s early 60’s. I still have his US Motors ID badge. Those old Bridgeport’s have a lot of history.

[@hersch_tool]

That's real cool. It's quite an amazing thing, we are tied together through that legacy of American manufacturing. Well built machines that will run forever with very minimal effort and maintenance.

[@larrybud]

Your channel is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Great production. Hopefully it takes off for you like the other top channels. Question on how this speed control works: When you're turning the knob, are you just mechanically changing the position of the two pulley halves?

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks very much, I really appreciate that. I am working very hard on it, every single day, and it helps make it easier to keep plugging along hearing that you're enjoying it. That's what it's all about for me. But I certainly hope it does well too lol. Fingers crossed! Thank you so much for your support.

[@larrybud]

@@hersch_tool One suggestion that I rarely see on other channels except Blondihacks, is to make something besides other tools. I know that making tools for tools is a common theme on all of these channels, but it's cool to see what those tools eventually gets used for. Blondi for example has several videos on her boiler builds and steam engine builds, with all of that knowledge and tools put to use. Something to consider!

[@hersch_tool]

@@larrybud ironically enough, tools are kind of my passion. My dream is to design and make my own tools, etc for other hobby machinists. Our options now all come from china, and I'm not really satisfied with that. I also don't really have any interest in the model trains or steam engines. I mean, they are very cool but I don't have any real desire to make them. That being said, I'll do my best to come up with new and interesting projects and I always appreciate hearing what you're interested in and what you'd like to see, so thank you!

[@4pawsforge273]

Don't sweat gettin out a video just for the sake of getting out a video. Take your time and do it right like you did here.

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks for that. I am definitely finding that it's very easy to be my own worst critic when it comes to the channel and push myself to the breaking point. It's already like 2 full time jobs plus overtime, running the channel and working my day job. But it's worth it. All of the support and comments like this make it feel easy and worth every second.

[@jameshicks6753]

Most helpful, you did well number 1😅

[@hersch_tool]

Thank you :)

[@gregor454]

Great video. Can you provide the part numbers for those bearings and belt. Thanks!

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks very much! I don't remember all the part numbers, but the spindle cap bearing is a fafnir 9110pp. The drive belt is a 2430V345 variable speed drive belt. I got all the parts from H&W machine repair, you can call them, they were very helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@gregor454]

Thanks. Will do.

[@carrollprice1213]

Good video. You could have measured the ID of the new pully to make a bushing to fit the old pully as a spare. Or make a bushing with the ID equal to the motor shaft OD, minus twice the thickness of the plastic inserts.

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks very much. I'd considered doing something like that, I still have the old pulley. But with how cheap and easy it is to replace the plastic bushings I feel like I'll probably never get around to it lol. Thanks for watching btw

[@aguycalledlucas]

That’s my favorite milling machine, but I have a Lagun.

[@hersch_tool]

they are definitely solid machines, thanks for watching!

[@randallcoffey8946]

The one later in the song thank you for replying

[@hersch_tool]

The song later in the video is a bluegrass song called "Little Sandy", the artist is Binkley from the album "New Old Shoes". Thanks for watching!

[@JTL1313]

Could you have machined the Teal bushing on the lathe to accept the Black bushings?

[@hersch_tool]

Given the amount of wear in the teal bushing, once you'd have machined it true it would have been far too large of a bore for the black bushing to have worked.

[@railwelder1987]

My guess is the origional material is probably turkite. Looks same color as what ive seen in the past doing new ways in mills. Verry hard high wear resistance but extremely low friction.

[@hersch_tool]

Yeah the original is made from turcite. I think the design was ultimately abandoned for the smaller bushings because it's a consumable part and the smaller bushings were so much cheaper and easier to replace.

[@wyattselleck7236]

Liked and Subscribed

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks very much!

[@randallcoffey8946]

great video what was the name of the music that was playing

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks very much! Which song? The intro, or the one later in the video?

[@EdgarRonzonLopez]

Qué tan recomendable es para maquinar aceros ? Alguien me puede dar reseñas por favor

[@hersch_tool]

Quão recomendado é o quê? O Bridgeport? É ótimo para fresar aço, confira meus outros vídeos. Trabalho quase exclusivamente com aço.

[@ShaidonMartins]

Olá boa noite só Brasil eu tenho uma máquina dessa aí que pena que aqui no Brasil não tem peças de manutenção pra essa maquina

[@hersch_tool]

Sim, isso tornaria as coisas muito mais difíceis. Tenho sorte de ter acesso tão fácil a peças de reparo. Talvez você pudesse encontrar alguém nos estados que pudesse enviar peças para você? Não sei se isso é possível, mas talvez valha a pena investigar? Muito obrigado por assistir e pelo seu comentário.

[@philipershler420]

One other possibility, if you have(or have access) to a 3D printer, it would be trivial to print an over sized bushing and then turn it to spec on your lathe. 😮

[@hersch_tool]

Yeah, I did actually consider that. And I think it's a pretty decent idea. Printed parts don't machine very well because of the layers but it wouldn't be hard to get it close enough to size with a couple attempts. In the end, I just decided that I didn't trust PLA as a long term solution, but I think it still might be worth giving a try. I now have the old pulley just sitting around, so maybe that's a possible experiment for a future video.

[@philipershler420]

@@hersch_tool Yes, layers can be a bit of a pain to machine. But as far as 3D filaments are concerned, there are many concoctions that are much stronger than plain old PLA. Some possibilities could be ABS, PETG and even PLA +. Of course if a printer were to be available that can handle high temperatures, there more possibilities, nylon, or nylon doped with fiberglass, carbon fiber, or even Kevlar. But the most important thing is that your replacement arrived quickly and now your Bridgeport is humming like a sewing machine!

[@hersch_tool]

@@philipershler420 Yeah that was a big deciding factor in this case. I ordered the part on a Monday and it was here by Wed early afternoon so it worked out. I've only used PLA to date, but I think you're on to something with other materials, nylon especially. I don't think my printer can do nylon, do you need a heated chamber for that? But in general, I would like to learn more about 3D printing and take much better advantage of it in the future. So far my 3D printing has been pretty basic, but it has also been very useful at the same time. I think if I'd have had the knowledge, it probably would have been a great solution here.

[@ShaidonMartins]

Ola boa noite tudo bem sou do Brasil tenho uma máquina fresadora ferramenteira Bridgeport troquei a correia agora nao estou conseguindo regular o RPM

[@hersch_tool]

What happens when you try to change the speed? Anything?

[@freestyla101]

If I’m not mistaken, the guy from inheritance machining had the exact same problem with his Bridgeport clone

[@hersch_tool]

I guess it must be a common enough issue then. Even more surprising then that the little blue turcite bushing seems to made from unobtaineum. I guess I get why they prefer to change them out though, the black plastic bushings are so cheap and easy to replace, makes sense that they are preferred. Thank you for watching!

[@josephcooksley3219]

All Combine Harvesters use this system to threashing Drum Speeds

[@Trainwreck1123]

planned obsolescence at work, you gotta love it! Yay capitalism! Anyway, great video as always. I'm kicking off my project to build my dream shop this coming spring and I plan to buy old iron to fill it up so it's really nice to see all the things to look out for. Thanks for all the effort!

[@hersch_tool]

Thanks very much 🙂 Old iron is definitely where my heart is lol. I'd say if you're looking at a variable speed j head of any kind then run it through the speed range, you'll be able to tell right away if it needs maintenance. And el pretty much expect it to need it, a lot of shops seem to just run them until they become unbearable, and that's when they list them for sale. Good luck with the shop btw, pretty exciting that you're getting to build your dream shop!

[@Trainwreck1123]

@@hersch_tool Thanks, I am very excited! There's a 19x54 lebonde regal that a shop near me has been trying to get rid of for years and apparently nobody will take it, much like your old situation. They want 2500 for it which seems crazy, (that's less than $1/pound) so I have to assume there's something very wrong with it. After the building is up assuming it's still available I think I'll go check it out. Hope your new lathe is working out well for you still.

[@hersch_tool]

@@Trainwreck1123 lol, yeah or it could just be that nobody wants it because it's too big for a hobbyist and there's no other job shop nearby that uses manual machines? I miss my leblond, it was SO nice. Snatch that thing up, even if you have to work on it it'll be worth it. I had to repair the entire power feed system on mine, had to make new feed screws and nuts because it was completely worn out, I don't mean worn, I mean the threads on the feed screw were literal razor blades. But once it was fixed, by far the nicest machine that I've ever had the please of using. Miss it... lol.

[@josephcooksley3219]

Repacking thosetwo bearings would of extended life of new bearings

[@hersch_tool]

the bearings were sealed, thanks for watching!

[@josephcooksley3219]

Yes the faces pop out with care , and either use and semi auto packing tool or by hand from experience most are packed with a clear grease ... yes i would love A Bridgeport mill great video thank you ...

[@hersch_tool]

@@josephcooksley3219 Thanks very much! Perhaps I'll give that a try the next time I have to replace some bearings.

[@josephcooksley3219]

Thumbs up

[@camillosteuss]

Dude, dont you have any bearing bronze on hand? An old plastic handle screwdriver? Anything of that sort could provide you with decent enough stock for bushing replacement... The bearing bronze might be a bit tricky what with that retaining ring section which is thicker, but i think one could manhandle the bronze bush into that orifice with some gentle persuasion... You just turn the od+ring, drill and bore the thing, slit it on a mill and voila, a bushing... You could have also used moglice and the precision pin in a precise setup to fill out the worn bushing to make a damn good repair that would fit perfectly and would have improved wear and sliding characteristics.... The key part would be the only issue to really contend with, but that can be fixed with some candle wax most likely... The larger issue i see here is the potential effect that the lateral motion due to the wear in the sys. could have enhanced the wear of the main spindle bearings, as once the pulley is bouncing left and right during the drive, its the spindle bearings that are the ones which have to somehow handle that vibration, which could brinell the races like no man`s business... I would definitely check out the spindle with a micron indicator... All the best! Steuss

[@hersch_tool]

Lol, no I don't have any bearing bronze on hand, and bronze would have been a poor choice for this application. Moglice is a great idea though. However, neither of those addresses the most important factor, which is the machining time that was saved by replacing the pulley. And if you've worked with moglice then you know how much of a bear it is to work with... Also, the bearings that I replaced are the ones that carry the bulk of that lateral load you're referring to, which is why that one bearing was in such poor condition. The pulley attached to the spindle is stationary. That being said, I do plan to replace the spindle bearings at some point in the future, if I keep the machine that long. Also I've clocked the spindle bore, it's dead nuts.

[@camillosteuss]

​@@hersch_tool Oh yeah, moglice is a terror to work with... Runny as hell when before it enters hardening and curing process... I dont think that bronze woulda been that bad of a choice... fiddly for sure, but it would provide a durable bush that with just a drop of oil would run smooth for ages... I`m a massive cheapskate, one of legendary proportions, which is why i asked about the replacement and suggested what came to mind as potential ways to avoid paying for parts... I`ll stay up the whole night to make a part just to avoid paying for it... If stuff is above 50$ and there is a way for me to make it in OEM quality, i will make it... It`s a disease, but one without cure unfortunately... By damaging the spindle bearings, i meant that the vibration of the pulley would cause possible issues, as it may be stationary, or better said, rotating with the spindle, however, any vibration that it produces will invariably transfer into the spindle and its bearings... Sure, that uppoermost bearing is the main safeguard against that, but you have seen what the vibration it had to mitigate caused to its health... That`s what i meant... But im definitely glad that the spindle clocks out well... Its definitely not unusual for the spindle pulleys to have their own carrier bearing/s... My big lathe, drill and mill all have a whole assembly that ensures that the loads on the spindle drive do not translate into the spindle... The mill is especially cool as she is gear driven, not pulley, but the sys. is of the same nature to allow for smooth torque ans speed transfer... If you have a fetish for such stuff, i recommend you to look up Zbrojovka lathe on Lathes.co.uk, its also very similar in some aspects to my big lathe... The drive sys. is pretty much surface grinder grade, except its much more massive due to the large headstock and nature of lathes and their operations... But pay attention to the belt drive and its supporting bearings... Quite a majestic machine, especially the earlier versions with curved castings, the square ``facelift`` is a bit meh, however its mostly the looks that changed, the sys. remained the same, so if you come across one and can pick her up, i think you could get a regal lathe the likes of monarch`s... However, i dont think you are likely to run across one in your part of the world... Maybe, but they are likely like unicorns across the big pond... All the best and kind regards!

[@hersch_tool]

@@camillosteuss Bronze doesn't work here for a couple reasons. First, there is no way to lubricate it, and second is wear on the shaft. You def don't want the shaft to wear. That's why they used plastic/turcite bushings. No lubrication needed and will not create an abrasive slurry as it breaks down that would wear the shaft. And yeah dude I would LOVE to get hold of some European machines. I would kill for something like a nice TOS lathe or a Deckel or Maho mill... Man they make me drool. But those machines are rarer than hens teeth in the states...

[@camillosteuss]

​@@hersch_tool Oh yeah, i thought that the teal bushing was either turcite or teflon, which is pretty much the same thing... Speaking of the lubrication, i agree, that would be an issue... Tho, the bronze is unlikely to wear a hard shaft(i assume its hard)... Speaking of slurry, that would be grease issue, i thought of using some heavy weight oil or manual gearbox teflon additive(one of the best lubricants for sliding stuff), that would wear away over time, but would generally provide a decent lubrication for quite some time in that bush, tho, as said, you are right, its a shit solution... Yeah, its a bitch with markets... I would like a Bridgeport and a Monarch just for kicks, but as you said with Euro machines overseas, its a rare occurrence that machines go overseas... I`m sure you will find some euro machines over time, its not like they dont exist over there, I found my Schaerer lathe`s sister in america... I think you could still find that listing, she was used as a polishing lathe(yikes...), but the fact that someone shipped a 2.7 tonne lathe at some point sure shows that machines do move about and can be found where you least expect to find them... All the best!

[@ShaidonMartins]

Poderia me ajudar porfavor

[@FullSendPrecision]

I believe you're wrong on the model. That is clearly a Bridgebort

[@ellieprice363]

Bridgebort?

[@hersch_tool]

AAAHAHAHAHAHHAAA touche' sir, touche'

[@FullSendPrecision]

@@hersch_tool :-)

[@hersch_tool]

@@ellieprice363 look closely at the font 😉

[@ellieprice363]

@@hersch_toolWow, eyes wide open now. That “P” or is it a “B” needs a longer tail.

[@allanknight1910]

Machine it out make your own old son

[@hersch_tool]

That's likely what I would have done had I not been trying to get the video finished. Replacement was the most expedient option, and I have to make these considerations sometimes as I'm almost always filming my projects for the channel. That frequently affects what I do and how I do it.

[@josephcooksley3219]

Lol SERVICED Lol

[@oldskeptic1513]

... the first thing I noticed is, the flag on the wall ... why? ... you forget the country you live in and need to be reminded around the clock? ... there is no other place on earth where the citizens are considered 'more patriotic' from those who do not display the flag, than the USA.! ... why is that? ... I would truly like to know ...

[@brianmihlfeith7135]

Holy shit, are you serious? Or am I misunderstanding your complaint here? You don’t like that he’s patriotic? I bet you voted for Biden. Or, the worst thing I could say about a person, is that you’d be a person who lived as a grown up the last four years and plans to vote for Biden again, T or F?

[@oldskeptic1513]

@@brianmihlfeith7135 ... it went over your head, and you missed the point ... it was a question on my part, that is all ... displaying a flag does NOT make you any more patriotic than you are, in your heart and behaviour ... what have YOU done for the country, not for your self, lately? ... who I have voted for makes no difference whotsofuckingever ... a dump person will vote for a man who is promising to tear down the Republic ... are you one of those dumb asses? ...

[@deforrest5611]

WHO ARE WE ? .I ONLY SEE AND HEAR YOU. DO YOU HAVE AN INVISABLE BUDDY. ITS 'I ' & NOT ' WE'

[@aj7utu]

He’s educated.

[@ellieprice363]

So “Who are I” it is. Doesn’t sound quite right somehow!