Bridgeport Mk1 2HP Milling Machine re-commissioning

[Ollie78]

Looks like a good machine, I love a good restoration/ improvement thread.

 

[Spectric]

It is really good that at least those types of machine that were once so common across industry in the UK are being restored and used once again even if they
have outlived the industries where they were once so common. I can remember engineering firms where there would be rows of mills, lathes and other machinery all perfoming various task to manufacture some component and all those skilled machinist who would go home at the end of the day smelling of cutting fluid but that was what manufacturing was all about.

 

[Slooby]

Yes the motors will be three phase and operated via contactors but all the control and contactor coil voltages will probably be at 110 volts. Fully agree that you need a real electrician with industrial experience and not a domestic have a go type.

I shall be roping in the assistance of an electro-mechanical guru mate (his day job is designing, building, maintaining, installing and generally being about the only person capable of fixing, seismology equipment), he has previous...and is responsible for me having 3 Land Rovers in various states of disrepair...along with part responsibility for the Lathe coming my way...the other projects are entirely my own doing!

It is really good that at least those types of machine that were once so common across industry in the UK are being restored and used once again even if they
have outlived the industries where they were once so common. I can remember engineering firms where there would be rows of mills, lathes and other machinery all perfoming various task to manufacture some component and all those skilled machinist who would go home at the end of the day smelling of cutting fluid but that was what manufacturing was all about.

You're going to like some of my other treasures then

 

[Fergie 307]

It is really good that at least those types of machine that were once so common across industry in the UK are being restored and used once again even if they
have outlived the industries where they were once so common. I can remember engineering firms where there would be rows of mills, lathes and other machinery all perfoming various task to manufacture some component and all those skilled machinist who would go home at the end of the day smelling of cutting fluid but that was what manufacturing was all about.

The smell always reminds me of my dad. Even when he got to a position where he had no real need to get hands on the machines he couldn't resist it.
Talking to some of those who worked for him one thing that came across loud and clear was the respect they had for someone who might be "management", but knew their job inside out and could still get hands on with the machines. Sadly that is something that we seem have lost to a great extent nowadays.