Bridgeport Upgrades

At this point I'm going to take the control box off the list - easy and inexpensive so I'll just do it. It seems DRO and Oiler are the recommended top two. I'm really struggling with the oiler - time is not at a premium for me so I just need to go through the lubrication process manually. given that it seems DRO is bubbling to the top. Still open to other ideas/comments.

Rick
 
I added two table trays ---helps to keep track of tools etc.

Did the DRO thing first off----really gets used.

The mill came with an X power feed, and I recently added one to the Y. Was worth the effort.
 
A 6" vise is overkill for a RF45 style mill. A 4" is more appropiate for that size mill & IMO 5" max. I have a 5" GMT vise on my PM45 & it's slightly too big. Not enough Y axis travel to make use of the 5" full capacity. Better to save your money rather than getting something too big & most importantly the weight. I take my vise of the table quite often, a 6" is still light enough for me to be carried by hand but I'm glad I have a 5". I also have a 4" vise as well. I prefer the 5" though.

But those GMT 6" Premium vises are pretty nice. I'd love to have one but don't need one on my current mill. But if you plan on upgrading to a full size knee mill in the future than the 6" will be perfect.


Here's what the 5" looks like on my mill.
Img_1921.jpg


I couldn't even complete this cut without my bellows & DRO scale getting in the way. Not enough Y travel & the 5" vise is not even maxed out.
Img_7597_zpscb8b5dd7.jpg


Here's what a 6" vise looks like on another PM45 (gt40's)
View attachment 253544
 
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