Original Bridgeport power feed replacement

jmjones · Jan 11, 2022

I have a machine with the old geared power feed attachment that recently stopped working. I am considering switching to a more modern power feed solution instead of fixing the obsolete system that I currently have. Will the new style bolt right on or do I need a retrofit kit or something additional? Any help would be great.

Thanks

John

ksimolo · Jan 11, 2022

If you have this style power feed, I have a working one that I took off of my machine.

I replaced it with a Servo unit. That required a special kit that was not cheap. I am not sure if I would do it again or not.

Ken

rons · Jan 11, 2022

I have used both types of power feeds. The gear box style is reliable but not easy to change the gears. Quiet as it gets.

I used a Servo too. The old power feed shaft connects to the mill X screw by locating in a hole in the end of the screw's shaft. At the connection
there is a hole with a metal pin. I would replace the metal pin with a cotter pin. A Servo or similar feed would have an adapter.

jmjones · Jan 12, 2022

rons said:
I have used both types of power feeds. The gear box style is reliable but not easy to change the gears. Quiet as it gets.

I used a Servo too. The old power feed shaft connects to the mill X screw by locating in a ho;e in the end of the screw's shaft. At the connection
there is a hole with a metal pin. I would replace the metal pin with a cotter pin. A Servo or similar feed would have an adapter.

My power feed sheared the pin and damaged the sleeve that holds the bearings and gears on the screw shaft. I have not been able to find that piece for replacement, the rest of the power feed runs and works fine.

The screw for this setup is longer than other screws.

I have one of the cheap import servo style power feeds that I dont think will work because the screw is longer. I am trying to find out if my options of

A.) Is there an adapter that can make the import servo work with my current screw?

Or
B.) Do I need a different screw for the import servo feed?

Or
C.) Does anyone know of a source of the original part that was damaged so I can just use the original gear power feed that still works fine?

Thanks for all your help so far,

John

rons · Jan 12, 2022

Take some pictures of the damaged part.

ksimolo · Jan 12, 2022

As I said, you have to use a special adapter plate (because yes, the screw is longer so the servo will not work as is).

Does yours look like the one I showed?

Ken

ksimolo · Jan 12, 2022

Cal at Servo Replacement Parts was very helpful and knew what he was talking about. They used to have a page that showed the various machines and what servos they used. For mine, I needed M-0225-150 which had the new plate and servo.

ksimolo · Jan 12, 2022

H&W has it really inexpensively if it includes the plate - less than $900. They might have the parts you need to fix yours as well. If not, and it is the same as mine, maybe we could figure something out. I just hate to part one that works.

And yes, you can buy that adapter plate separately. I want to say it was around $150 when I was looking.

Ken

gary s moore · Jan 12, 2022

Why not just make replacement pieces

jmjones · Jan 13, 2022

ksimolo said:
As I said, you have to use a special adapter plate (because yes, the screw is longer so the servo will not work as is).

Does yours look like the one I showed?

Ken

Yes that is the power feed that I have.

gustafson · Jan 13, 2022

Hooking up the 3 phase wrong makes them blow up internally, guess how I know.....

I liked the old gearbox better than the old, old servos, it was smoother, the old electronic ones tended to cog at low speed.

YOu might find a short screw online somewhere

rons · Jan 13, 2022

The gearbox feed has a feed rates listed by the selector handle. If you like to know the numbers.

A electronic one has no idea. I've heard of some of those speeding up and slowing down during a pass.

jmjones · Jan 13, 2022

Pics

The bearing and what looks like a washer behind it are still stuck on the shaft...

Antarctica · Jan 14, 2022

I'm probably missing something, so forgive me ahead of time, but can't you just press the bearing and washer off?

rons · Jan 15, 2022

You are lucky. If that is the issue then just relax. Easy to fix/replace. You might be able to dress the metal. :ack2:

The issue with the gear selection is that it becomes difficult when parts don't mate together.
Then you maybe get more forceful and the damage gets worse. Same thing goes for a key in door lock, easy and gentle works better.

Although it is always exciting to go to the store and buy the new stuff. On the way home you ask yourself questions.

Dry Creek · Dec 13, 2022

I have an exploded view of it if that would help. It has the parts numbered and tells what it's called. What is the model number
for this unit?

Checkertail · Dec 17, 2022

ksimolo said:
If you have this style power feed, I have a working one that I took off of my machine.

View attachment 339273

I replaced it with a Servo unit. That required a special kit that was not cheap. I am not sure if I would do it again or not.

Ken

I am looking at a machine that has this type power feed installed. What is needed to replace it with a modern power feed and how much did it cost? Any info is appreciated. Thanks.

ksimolo · Dec 17, 2022

It cost me $998 5 years ago for the adapter bracket and servo. Servo Type M-0225-150 Cal at [email protected] was extremely helpful.

Ken

Checkertail · Dec 18, 2022

ksimolo said:
It cost me $998 5 years ago for the adapter bracket and servo. Servo Type M-0225-150 Cal at [email protected] was extremely helpful.

Ken

Thank you!

ken moss · Dec 19, 2022

would it be cheaper to change the lead screw then buy the mounting kit them you would have a nice new screw and nut

Original Bridgeport power feed replacement

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