Bridgeport Milling machine identification

[serialmaker]

Hi guys,

I'm interested in purchasing a Bridgeport milling machine. Here is a photo of it:


Can any please help me to ID this machine? What year would it be?

 

[MyLilMule]

From what I can tell, looks like a 1-1/2 HP variable speed head with a 9x36 table.

 

[serialmaker]

Thank you. It has a DRO that looks really old:

 

[machPete99]

There should be a serial number, probably on the front of the Y axis ways, and you can probably find a chart to determine its vintage.

 

[RandyM]

HM has the chart in the DownLoads Library for a small membership donation.

And, here is a thread that can help locate the number.

Bridgeport ID

I am 98% complete with the renovation of a BP. The ID of the machine has me curious. I can not date the machine. The mill was originally configured with a Variable Speed head. There was a problem with the head when I bought the machine, rather than spend money to repair, I replaced it with a new...

www.hobby-machinist.com

 

[markba633csi]

I think it's a series 1, short table, vari-speed J head
I'd guess late 60s - early 70s?

 

[HarryJM]

You may be able to find a manual at Vintage Machinery. web site

VintageMachinery.org | Welcome

Bridgeport Machines Inc. - Publication Reprints | VintageMachinery.org

Harry

 

[SteamWilly]

The BEST news is that you can still buy parts for these, so no matter what might be wrong with it, it can be repaired. Our local makerspace has a Bridgeport from the 1950's, and just had the headstock gears shell out. They got everything brand new, put it back together, and it is humming along happily. It will probably NEVER wear out again, given the small jobs and light use it is subjected to now, compared to it's previous working life.

 

[Fasturn]

Bridgeports from England had tables with coolant channels. I think that's what I am seeing. Back in 1980 it was 8-12 weeks delivery on the American machine. 3 weeks for the English, so I bought one. Machine identical except for the channels in the table.
Same quality as here in the States.

 

[serialmaker]

Here are a few more photos:




The X axis power feed doesn't seem to work. Does anyone know if you can take it off and still be able to use the handle?

I've looked at the ways and there are no fish scales on any of them. I assume no scraping was done at factory? I was able to rock the spindle side to side by about 1 thou. Is there some sort of mechanism to tighten up the spindle?

Thank you.