How do you ensure the milling head is parallel with the table?

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

Initially, I thought that you were looking to ensure that the spindle (Z axis) was perpendicular to the table. Then, I began to think that you were looking to set the head so that it was at right angles, in the horizontal plane, to the table.

If this is you objective, may I suggest?

1) Set a clock on the spindle and ensure that the fixed jaw of the vice is in line with the plane of the travel of the table X axis (left – right) by winding the table to and fro, and gently tapping the vice until the clock reading is constant.

2) Then swing the head around the column until the clock reading, against the fixed jaw of the vice is maximum.

The head should always at right angle to the table, in the horizontal plane, but the above will maximise the clearance table to column.

Hope that this helps

Howard (Typos corrected)

Edited By Howard Lewis on 03/11/2017 11:01:58

[Mick B1Participant @mickb1]

Posted by John MC on 03/11/2017 07:37:20:

The OP will need to get his "truing" technique sorted, Bridgeports are notorious for shifting there heads!

John

Which is why many users, once they've got it right, drill taper pin holes to enable them to realign again quickly when they've moved it.

[KWILParticipant @kwil]

Martin (and Mark) are correct, but having set the Ram rotation correctly, clamp it and check again.

I would not rely on any reference mark, other than as a general guidance that you are near. I have a 48" table and use it all, at times, so a reset is properly done after each time.

Same applies to a machine vice, even if it has a tenon or pegs locating in the T slots. Once moved or rotated, reset properly.

 

 

 

Edited By KWIL on 03/11/2017 11:26:35

[David George 1Participant @davidgeorge1]

Hi Gary I have sent you a message PM.

David

[John ReeseParticipant @johnreese12848]

I have never worried that the ram on my BP was perpendicular to the X axis. I suppose if I had to check it I would use a precision square on the table. One leg would be set against keys in the T slot. With an indicator mounted in the spindle and riding against the other leg of the square I would move the ram in and out. If here were any deviation in the indicator reading it would be necessary to loosen the turret bolts and rotate the turret. Repeat until you get the accuracy you want.

When I was working on a part that exceeded my Y axis movement I bored a reference hole at known X and Y. I moved the ram in or out as needed then indicated on my reference hole and set the X and Y coordinates into the DRO. If a reference hole is not permitted in the part you can clamp or glue a sacrificial piece onto the part and drill the reference hole in that.

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