You need a Power Feed, but which one?

I Compare 4 Power feeds for a Milling machine. They run in price from $125 to $1000 come along and find out witch one is best for your machine.
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E bay Wing Ding $125 Power Drive
rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5575615275&toolid=10001&campid=5338730785&customid=&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2FPower-Feed-X-Axis-150-Lbs-Torque-for-Bridgeport-Type-Milling-Machines-0-200-RPM%2F202017492741
E bay $350 This not the one I tested It's no longer available
rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5575615275&toolid=10001&campid=5338730785&customid=&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2FALIGN-TAIWAN-X-AXIS-POWER-FEED-KNEE-MILLS-BRIDGEPORT-OTHER-MILLING-MACHINE%2F333289967731
E Bay $800 Servo My favorite, but expensive
rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5575615275&toolid=10001&campid=5338730785&customid=&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2FServo-200-140-Type-140-X-Axis-Power-Feed-Speed-for-Bridgeport-Series-I%2F323788071548

[@merlinmagnus873]

I picked up one of the Wing Ding power feeds for my Y axis half a year ago and it's still chugging along. I didn't have the speed limitation issue on mine. I'm pretty sure your min/max Potentiometers on the speed control board are mis-adjusted. That's an easy fix you can try. Thanks for the side by side.

[@BuildSomthingCool]

Right on

[@guytech7310]

@@BuildSomthingCool Are you going to be doing more videos in 2021?

[@giannirocco7492]

@@BuildSomthingCool Hey!Are you still making videos?Thanks!!!

[@adamchandler3162]

Well fell in to the channel to late it looks like thank you for the great content

[@brandontscheschlog]

Will you be returning to KZbin anytime soon? You are one of my favorites and I miss your content.

[@georgedennison3338]

Saw your question about Dale returning to YT; did you ever hear anything about his sudden, unexplained departure? At the time he suddenly left, the 1st thought is Covid; it sure eff'd my life up, I got it & it caused me to develop cancer. Yeah, that's a thing nobody is talking about. Anyway, I saw this old vid in my feed & recalled how much I like his videos. I was one of the many who, several years ago, suddenly had subs dumped. It was while I was real sick & off YT. It took me a while to realize some of my subs were missing, then someone told about the sub dumping incident. Was hoping you'd learned something about Dale. GeoD

[@larseriksson1184]

He answered a question from another account on his video on scraping maybe a new account

[@bmlennox]

Dale-miss your good videos!!! waiting for some more :) Hope all is well with you- God bless you and your family

[@superpedro7295]

I know man, What happened??

[@santopezzotti730]

Hi buddy what’s up miss your Videos . Are you coming back?

[@dannywilsher4165]

Due to popular demand, you must make more videos!!! Thanks for your generosity and time for sending the awesome book collection to Keith!!!

[@robertdavis386]

I've been missing you, Dale. I hope all is well. Love your videos.

[@gosolobox]

My Millrite MVN came with a broken Servo in a box. I was planning to buy one of those cheep ones when a buddy stopped by the shop, saw the broken Servo, and offered to take it home and fix it. About a week later and $35 in parts, and the Servo is running lie a champ. Good friends are priceless..

[@rossilake218]

He knows he will need a part made eventually. Lol

[@gosolobox]

@@rossilake218 lmao

[@billdivine9501]

I have one of the very first Servos made, given to my dad in the 1970s by his friend, the inventor and founder of Servo Products. In fact, it was the only product he had at the time so it doesn’t have a number, but it’s the 140, and there’s no on off switch, and he made them at his home shop so the tag actually says “Servo Products, Altadena California” It’s a residential city in north Los Angeles County where he lived. Still works great!

[@Awegner176]

Nice video Dale! You inspired me to go out in my shop and resurrect my 6F power feed. The handle was gone, the limit switches were gone, and all the wires were cut at one point. After some mock up parts, trial, error, and a few extra relays, it's alive. That thing can push me across the floor if I try to oppose it. Now that's impressive!

[@richardbennett6053]

I wanted to add to the comments that many of us miss your content, I hope all is well with you and hope to see you back soon

[@EverettsWorkshop]

Thanks for doing this comparison, Dale. I FINALLY found a Bridgeport clone I could afford that wasn't beaten up, and am now in the process of doing little fixes and upgrades to it over time. A power feed would be nice at some point but it appears that going too cheap has its drawbacks in power feeds, much like most everything else in the realm of tooling.

[@MakeEverything]

Such a timely video for me! I was just looking for a new power feed thanks for the thorough reviews and insight. great video as always!

[@BuildSomthingCool]

Glad it was helpful!

[@guytech7310]

@@BuildSomthingCool Dale ,are you still alive? Its been a long time since you posted any content. Hope your doing OK.

[@davidbentley3408]

EXCELLENT VIDEO! Not only because it answers a question about power feeds that I have now, your delivery is perfect. No superfluous BS. SOOO many of these videos on YT are so awful I just cant watch them even tho I need their information! You got right to the point, made quality evaluations and gave a complete, concise summation. THANK YOU ( I AM subscribed!)

[@highlyalloyed9296]

This channel was a great find, thanks for posting so much content 👍

[@benjaminshaw80]

Man, has it really been 3 years?? Dale?! Where are you!!!

[@a320214]

Tanks for your work, time and talent !! You're great !!

[@BuildSomthingCool]

Many thanks!

[@brianwalk108]

Great video and valuable information, I don't think anyone else has covered this yet thank you

[@BuildSomthingCool]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Amazing side by side comparison I don't have a lathe or anything but very cool how these things work

[@douglassmith2055]

Great vid, thanks for posting this, great topic for home shop.

[@RockingJOffroad]

Boy that first one is a real wing dinger! Seriously I have one of those on my mill identical to the one that you reviewed and I’ve been very happy with it with the exception of the speed pot. The speed off has a dead spots down on low speeds I think I need to take it apart and replace it with a good potentiometer.

[@edwardwilson990]

I've missed you so much! You're back, Yay!

[@BuildSomthingCool]

Yay! Thank you!

[@mkegadgets4380]

Glad to see you back.

[@KuehlEngineering]

So awesome! I have had a shars one and cheap(er) Chinese import in my ebay cart for some time and just didn’t want to pull the plug quite yet. I’ve been searching around for a used servo, but haven’t found one that is calling my name. This video definitely helped to make a decision. Thank you, keep the awesome videos coming!

[@dcat4006]

Thanks for the info on dro! They are extensive and I don't think I want to make a mistake so I looking around and getting advice hopping to get the right one. Thanks again. Bill

[@MattysWorkshop]

Gday Dale, thanks for taking the time to do the testing, the Cincinnati I just picked up is all geared through the knee, I’ve never had power feed before up I can see I’m going to really enjoy it. The rapid is extremely fast, I must check it over 10 seconds and see what it comes in at, thanks again and take care

[@BuildSomthingCool]

You have the best of both worlds. Congratulations on the new machine

[@davidmcduffie1398]

Very informative video, thank's Dale !!!

[@manualman6252]

Hi Dale, I guess I missed this one two years ago... Very good review / information !! Thank You

[@jimmurphy6095]

Thank you for this. Very well done.

[@longcaster]

Glad you're back. Good review.

[@BuildSomthingCool]

Hey, thanks!

[@patricksullivan9951]

Thanks Dale, at some point I'll be getting a drive unit, now I have an idea which one!

[@BuildSomthingCool]

Glad to help

[@TheKnacklersWorkshop]

Hi Dale, Very good review... Thank you. Take care Paul,,

[@BuildSomthingCool]

Thank you kindly

[@AsitShouldBe]

why you stopped making video bro? 🙂

[@motorsawing6739]

2 years on, time for a comeback?

[@neffk]

Finally, another video! This review/test was just what I needed. The spec is 0-200 RPM but I knew that couldn't be true. I need 0.5 in/min on a horizontal mill. I think I can get away with the 0.9 feed that you measured.

[@TomMakeHere]

Great review Dale!

[@jeffanderson1653]

We needed this video. I should have kept the Servo. The base was missing! I thought it was broken. I bought the Precision Mathews. Works great = 3 years now.

[@tomeyssen9674]

Thanks Dale.

[@MaturePatriot]

A good review. Without sponsors, or Patreon, most home shops will go with the most inexpensive. Like handheld grinders. I have 6 HF handheld grinders with different wheels and brushes mounted on them. For all 6, I have less than $70 invest as I buy them on sale. One 4.5" Metabo can cost $125, unless you catch it on sale. I can wear out 10 of the HF and still not pay for a Metabo.

[@xmachine7003]

He it is.

[@mikefinnegan4621]

mature I agree, I have the same set up with 5 harbor freight grinders each with a different tool(wire cup ,wire braided wheel, cut off wheel, grinding wheel,, and sanding disk, etc. ) oh and I also have one cordless milwalk. for when im on the move. all 5 corded grinders I got on sale for like 10 bucks each from HF cant beat that and they run well

[@drycreek3204]

Great review, I have a 1946 round ram Bridgeport with the original power feed. It has different gear positions you can shift it into.

[@marycarmona7692]

Hi Dale! Started following you after meeting at the bash. It was nice meeting you. I'm new to all this but I'm excited to learn something so fun and interesting. Hope you start putting up more videos 😊

[@georgedennison3338]

You learn anything about why Dale quit posting vids?

[@eddiehayes2388]

I hope you are doing well. Looking forward to some more videos.

[@QuiltingJeri]

Still enjoy re watching your videos. We hope to see you on the platform again sometime soon. 👍

[@melgross]

I bought a Grizzly mill almost 19 years ago. It’s the biggest mill/drill they had as I needed if right away, and my riggers said that they would have to take the Bridgeport apart to get it in, and I didn’t have time for that. I figured I would replace mine when I had the time, but I never did. I bought the table drive, which is horizontal. I use this a lot. The only problem I had with the drive occurred about five, six years ago. My error! The main, plastic gear at the end of the drive broke teeth-as it should have. Grizzly got me a new gear in three days. Didn’t cost much. Other than that, no problems with it.

[@CH-pt8fz]

Pleased to see one of your great video's.👍 Missed seeing them.

[@colincooper3075]

Great video with good info, looking for a power feed at the moment so this has been a big help, do you happen to have the dimensions of the extension shaft as im thinking of making my own.

[@TrPrecisionMachining]

very good video..thanks for your time

[@BuildSomthingCool]

You are welcome

[@arneminderman3770]

Great info !! Thanks.

[@mannycalavera121]

Hope you're well

[@andrewwolf4430]

I have an AL 500 on my Grizzly mill and have been through 2 armatures and one field coil, I run it at slow speed often. The last time I replaced the armature I found that the plastic cover on the top of the armature did not have the vent holes open. Drilled them out and over 2 years later it is chugging along. Also notice that after repeated cycles the speed knob changes position to a faster speed.

[@dolata000]

Glad to see you in the saddle again.

[@larryschweitzer4904]

I have an older Jet 9x49 that came with a factory X-feed. I got really tired of cranking the Z up & down. Tried a drill, didn't like it. I supplied the make & model of the mill to the feed seller. When I went to install it the new shaft had different threads! Dealer didn't have the correct one so I made one. My X has limit switches that I've never installed, I should do that. I did install the Z limit switches. I like the round handle on the X and have decided to modify the Z to take one that turns all the time. Getting the crank to engage is a PIA. Will just put a small nob on the wheel. So I can let it be engaged full time.

[@exportedafrican]

Really great video. Nice work my friend!

[@BuildSomthingCool]

Thank you very much!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Very nice set of reviews and opinions 👌 were amazing

[@BuildSomthingCool]

Thanks a ton

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

@@BuildSomthingCool you are very welcome

[@evil16v1]

Good episode Darryl! Kinda like tthe project farm channel but for machinists. Good idea. Very useful, as i am looking at this right now. Also looking at building a stepper motor set up for doing this.

[@judebiddy7142]

Hey Dale, I second the request for a video about your "pinging" the table. My 42" is also off by by 7-8 thousand. I am scared to scrape it that much as I don't have the hardware to do so properly. But that pinging thing I can do!

[@judebiddy7142]

Correction: Peening. We aren't looking for a submarine...

[@utjeisenkuhle1997]

You are back, great. Greetings from tropical Germany.

[@BuildSomthingCool]

Hey, thanks!

[@Slim08151]

Is there a merch store to buy the "build something cool" stickers from the Fireball Tool shop tour?

[@steveg069]

I've had good luck with the al500p. I did one on my z and y axis since my x still has the servo. Adding power feed to the knee has just been an amazing improvement. I got so tired of cranking it up and down for tool changes. The shaft adapter is garbage, I ended up machining a whole new shaft for my Z axis with the differences integrated. But worth the time and effort.

[@cobhmanwelder4760]

i just drilled and tapped mine and installed an X axis feed on it, took all up 1.5 hrs and cheap to replace

[@BuildSomthingCool]

Thanks for sharing' I love My Z axis if I get another machine that what I would put on it first. :-)

[@MF175mp]

Instead of buying the 1000 dollar ones one can almost convert it to cnc with closed loop control

[@petergamache5368]

Even if you put a $750 drive on X, Y, and Z you'd be pretty close. The only thing that doesn't factor in is a ball screw conversion, which will set you back a bit more.

[@MF175mp]

@@petergamache5368 using all Chinesium equipment should be able to get the parts under 1000 for one axis, I'm not sure if the rolled ballscrews are good enough though. Most of them don't have an anti-backlash nut at least so there will be like 2 thou backlash

[@darkwinter6028]

If you go with steppers; you can absolutely go CNC for much less than $1000 USD. Ballscrews will bring that price up quite a bit; though... I’d probably figure $1200 for the whole thing. This is with Chinese parts; Taiwanese, US, or EU parts will be more, of course. There is a version of GRBL that runs on an Arduino Mega and common, cheap 3D printer UI hardware (RAMPS + a character LCD board + keypad) so that you don’t even need a PC on the mill. Some soldering will be required to adapt the RAMPS board to the external stepper drivers.

[@SteveSummers]

Missing the videos Dale. Hope you get some time to produce in the future. ATB

[@BuildSomthingCool]

Hi Steve good to here from you. I have about 4 videos in the can. Now if I could find time to edit them. Lol. Editing takes take away from shop time😔😁

[@1970chevelle396]

See you at the Bash. I think it will be very hot there this year.

[@TheAyrCaveShop]

Great review and information 👍👍 ATB....Dean

[@catherineharris4746]

Damn nice comparison!👍👍👍👍👍

[@billwilson7782]

Dale, Thanks for the info. I have a Servo on mine and it does work great. Have you been balancing anything?

[@RedDogForge]

Dale? Where'd ya go buddy? You ok?

[@rayboone9562]

Will any of these aftermarket feeds replace a 6f Bridgeport x axis feed? It seems the x axis screw is different between a manual feed and a Bridgeport power feed. Thanks

[@theartman410]

I got a Bridgeport power feeder, thing I don't like is have to cut lead screw to install. Any thoughts on that? Got a good deal on it. Seem to not find a screw for it.

[@stevecothren7527]

Mr. Dale, I have been checking your channel regularly ( I have subscribed already), I hope all is well and I am looking forward to new content from you. Thanks! Steve

[@petermurphy3354]

Hey Dale, good to see ya back. Your beards done the same as mine, gone gray b4 the hair on my head Lol

[@DPezzy19]

Hey Dale Can the Wen Ding be used for the y axis, in its ad it is called out as a x axis machine Thanks Ray P

[@split150]

Very cool info. Why do you have the x axis table movement reading on the Y axis of the DRO? Just curious.

[@BuildSomthingCool]

Good Question. I must have plug something wrong when I changing out power drives

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Great video

[@BuildSomthingCool]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@asharahmadarrauf]

Hi there. I wonder why you stopped making videos.

[@donaldbelobraydic9996]

Thank you...

[@randyreddig5239]

My Servo has a small hole drilled in the bottom cover so the oil drains...

[@dukenukem8381]

Hope you return

[@craigywaigy4703]

A $100ish dollar remote power feed unit NEW, and you bemoan it! ;) The best option(IMHO as an ex-machine tool/fitter turner) is to buy a vertical milling machine rather than a turret mill, as they generally have integrated power feeds(and rapids). Turret mills are great machines in theory, but not in real life scenarios as they are relatively slow(work cycles), lacking in rigidity(and require regular tramelling). Also, operators are generally loathed to change any of the axis' from perpendicular - its human nature! Turret mills are also significantly higher in price when compared to vertical mills, and more so to universal/horizontal mills with swivelling vertical head attachments, let alone the cost of adding aftermarket power feeds. An anology of the issues with Turret mills, is that they are like Trikes(three wheeled motorcycles), both appearing to be great ideas, but both ultimately being cursed by their impractical compromises. Keep safe and well.

[@lanehorton3536]

could u do a video on how to do a process like milling metal without an actual mill?

[@larryshaw6517]

I really appreciate your effort in comparing the different drives, do they make even smaller ones?

[@BuildSomthingCool]

Not that I Know of

[@countryracer69]

Hope you are ok. Been rolling thru the videos. Hope we get more

[@andrewevans1658]

Great video Dale!!! I recently bought a used mill that had a nice older X power feed but am considering additional power feeds for X&Z. After purchasing a 4 axis DRO and a riser block additional powerfeeds wont fit in the budget for a few more months!!!

[@BuildSomthingCool]

Save the money and buy the Z axis. I use it more then my Y

[@andrewevans1658]

@@BuildSomthingCool I totally agree!!! Would be far superior to a cordless impact/adapter driver.

[@r4z3r91]

I have a Bridgeport here in germany with original power feed in X and Y, do you know if I can buy a original power feed for Z? Thank you!

[@joecolanjr.8149]

Will you be making any more content on your channel???

[@satxsatxsatx]

Dale, the grey beard decreases your boyish charm :) Excellent, most useful topic, thanks

[@BuildSomthingCool]

I know, its as gray as Mr Petes😁

[@currentbatches6205]

More general question: The mill is a Taiwanese Bridgeport 7X42 clone from 20 years ago or so, no gripes, I got what I paid for. Since then it's gotten a DRO which is REALLY helpful, and then this year, an X-axis power feed. The combination of the two leaves no access to fit travel stops for the power feed. The first part machined using the power feed was scrapped today; the elbow of the operator (me) mistook the travel to be the cutter, not the table. Doubt that mistake will be repeated, but would still like to find a way to fit travel stops. Any ideas?

[@floridasaltlife]

how do you know if your looking at the $100 one or the $350 version !!!

[@fxpestoperator5527]

Brother, You moved to California and stopped making videos? ☹

[@ROBRENZ]

Enjoyed Dale! ATB, Robin

[@BuildSomthingCool]

Thanks my freind

[@xmachine7003]

Nice to see you here Rob.

[@totalcardetailing2022]

Keep the videos coming have miss your videos.

[@BuildSomthingCool]

Will do!

[@totalcardetailing2022]

This video was just in time I need a new power feed for my jet mill been looking for a while trying to decide which one I going to by. Look like a servo 140 or 150.

[@sigfridivanbautistapalacio5980]

Nice vídeo, greetings from México

[@BuildSomthingCool]

Thanks! what part of the Country?

[@sigfridivanbautistapalacio5980]

@@BuildSomthingCool from Queretaro, the center of México : )

[@matthewpeterson3329]

Hey Dale, as I do my new year's purge of channels I subscribe to, but no longer watch, I can't seem to unsub yours in hopes that you will be creating more content soon. Hope you're well and looking forward to your return.

[@davesalzer3220]

I just ordered a z and a y for my mill. Buying 2 at a time made my decision for me.

[@mikefinnegan4621]

I just ordered 2 myself how are yours doing

[@davesalzer3220]

@@mikefinnegan4621 sold the mill but they were accurate and trouble free when I had them.

[@danlogicaluk8721]

Glad to see you back, what was the cutting finish like under power feed?

[@BuildSomthingCool]

Looks great! I could not see any real differences between the feeds

[@giannirocco7492]

Always liked the content here,does this guy still make videos?

[@paulpipitone8357]

Thank yo so much I have been on the table for so long this really helps also you talked about weight can you provide the numbers if possible

[@BuildSomthingCool]

140lb or 150lb is fie for the Bridgeport style machines

[@paulpipitone8357]

Thank you

[@paultavres9830]

Question: recently got a Well Setting vertical mill which has a big M casted onto the frame of the mill Then While watching a Tom Lipton ( T Bag) video I seen the M casted on the frame of his mill thats a different brand Any idea what the M is ??? ( someone that works at the lab was talking about Tea Bag I asked who ? they said “T Bag “Tom Lipton )

[@mtnbiker4480]

M=Meehanite...a patented/licensed process to make cast iron.

[@asharahmadarrauf]

where are you dale ! no updates since this last video

[@frederickwolf8413]

After the 3rd armature died on my align, I decided to replace it with a wing ding on my 6 by 26 knee mill. I was not a direct replacement but close enough. The bolt hole pattern was different enough that I could only use one of the two bolts to hold it to the mill (yes I was too lazy to mill new holes) and I needed to cut the limit switch bracket to fit my mill (tried using the align bracket but the hole pattern for the limit switch boxes are different) $149 from Walmart. We'll see how long it takes for me to fry this one.

[@frederickwolf8413]

3 years and still strong

[@combatcurtful]

Come on, man. You have to use your talent and make us another awesome video. Unless you're dead. In that case, R.I.P.

[@martybadboy]

What ever happened to this guy? Abducted by aliens? COVID get him?

[@andrewwolf4430]

An update on my al500p. Fried my 3rd armature yesterday. Long slow pulls seems to do it in. Cutting a .025 " slot in a 10 inch long part 20 passes and then it blew my circuit breaker and stopped. Don't know how this company controls the speed but if it is via dc voltage reduction, slow speeds means low voltage and high current. I GUESS that is what does the armature in. Anyone out there with similar experiences ? My next one will be the cheapest as its price is about the same as an armature from Align.