Bridgeport (A&S) Manual 42″ Power feed conversion?

[SlumesParticipant @slumes]

Hi All,

I am looking to add a power feed to the X and possibly the Y axes of my A&S machine. Would anyone know if I will need a new lead screw as all of the power feed kits seem to be designed to replace a machine with existing power feed i.e. they have a lead screw which protrudes sufficiently past the table end plates. Hope that makes sense? In essence is my old lead screw long enough (don't think so), do the kits come with an extension for this manual type of lead screw? All advice very much appreciated. Nathan.

[SlumesParticipant @slumes]

Manual Lead Screw too short?

[davebParticipant @daveb17630]

The leadscrew extension does not come with the power feed but they are available separately. It's a fairly simple part if you have a lathe, just a piece of bar turned down as necessary and a connecting sleeve. I'm sure there are drawings available on the web, may be worth trying HSM. I made one for my own machine but, didn't keep a note of the measurements. Might be worth an internet search, Bridgeport feedscrew extension for Align/Servo power feed. Dave

[MuzzerParticipant @muzzer]

The electric feeds used on Bridgeport-type turret machines are designed to be retrofitted to manual machines without butchering or replacing the leadscrews. On the X and Y axes, the bracket is swapped so that a bevel gear can be fitting into the same space. The Z axis (knee) is a bit less clean – an extension is added to the original drive shaft.

Align (Taiwan) are one of the main manufacturers – take a look at the X, Y and Z kits they make. There are many clones out there and there must be literally millions in use.

I have an Align AL-500S on my X axis – great addition! You can see the grey bracket that comes with the kit here:

Murray

Edited By Muzzer on 16/05/2017 22:48:28

[Chris Evans 6Participant @chrisevans6]

I need to replace the original X feed (varispeed not gearbox type) on my Bridgeport. Has anyone done this using an Align kit ? If so do I need to make a shaft adaptor ? I have seen adaptor shafts on Ebay but they look pricey for what you get and may only be required if no power feed fitted to start with.

[Martin KyteParticipant @martinkyte99762]

Has anyone fitted one to a Myford VMC? If so what model or are they all adaptable.

regards Martin

[Clive FosterParticipant @clivefoster55965]

Chris

The Align and similar kits need the extension adapter shaft on a Bridgeport previously fitted with an electronic (6F, 8F) power feed. Standard screw is too short because it mates with the shaft inside the gearbox, dials et al are all carried on the gearbox so its a single unit fit. Agreed the official ones are stupid price for what they are but they will be the right size and everything will fit.

Looked into doing the Align replacement way back when it looked as if the 6F unit on the "new to me" Bridgeport was pemanently dead. DIY extension looked a useful saving but, after roughly drawing up, it looked too much faff to make. Not that complicated if you have an accurate drawing but everything has to be right. I figured measuring properly was going to be too hard with the gear I had then.

Hafta ask why you need to change the unit. Mine just needed new microswitches, a broken wire replaced, new motor brushes and loads of carbon cleaned out of the motor. Ten years down the line its still good. I understand that commercial repair of an Erskine power feed board is around £150. DIY for a reasonably skilled electronics person is practical but the pulse transformer specifications don't seem to be available so if thats gone you are stuck. Or a standard 90 V DC motor drive can be found for a similar price.

Clive

[Chris Evans 6Participant @chrisevans6]

Clive, my unit is either a 6F or 8F I think it is an 8F but not sure how to find out. The wiring had been got at before my purchase of the machine so a real mess with differing colours just twisted together. On top of that the oil seal had failed and filled the motor with oil. I replaced the seal and cleaned the motor as best I can, it did run but slowly and with no power to move the table. MSC sometimes have the aftermarket power feeds at £200 plus VAT so my thoughts are change it as less faff than repairing my own. Chris.

[SlumesParticipant @slumes]

Dave, Murray, Chris,

Really appreciate the advice. Thanks Nathan.

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