Bridgeport J-series mill convert

Post your completed retrofits for the world to see.

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Christian Wahl
Posts: 9
Joined: Sun Apr 12, 2020 5:34 am
Acorn CNC Controller: Yes
Allin1DC CNC Controller: No
Oak CNC controller: No
CNC Control System Serial Number: 0479B7ABD46B-0319203088
DC3IOB: No
CNC12: Yes
CNC11: No
CPU10 or CPU7: No

Bridgeport J-series mill convert

Post by Christian Wahl »

Hello members

first, sorry if there is a spelling mistake, as english is not my first language.

this project was not to make a precise machine, but to train me on cnc, cad, cam when I was laid off during the pandemic

I chose Centroid because I had previously read about the A560xl machine, and happened to see that there were retrofit kits for old milling machines that Centroid offered, and why not try to rebuild my machine, just to master CNC with a professional control

I want to share this conversion with you, in the enthusiasm of the thesis, a few pictures were taken, not so many, but those I have I will share with you.
I have a old Bridgeport mill(J-Head)that had worn out spindel bearings and a few more issues as rusty ways and oil-channels full of grease and generaly neglected.

My first task was to disassemble the entire upper end of the mill, clean it and replace all bearings, weld and build up some new worm teeth and give it a coat of paint. I needed to have a functionally head to to complete the conversion.

sorry the first picture is not straight
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I ordered nema 34 close loop steppers, drivers, ball screws and a VDF from the other side of the globe (cheep :? )and good enough for this project.
It is the path of learning. Isnt it? I have mostly been uncompromising on other things and projects, but this was just education

An old fuse box was converted into a control cabinet
IMG_20210224_154629.jpg
IMG_20210224_154652.jpg

VFD was scrapped at the moment due to the old elektrical engine, and interference


To be continued
Bridgeport J-head retrofit
Just for fun
Christian Wahl
Posts: 9
Joined: Sun Apr 12, 2020 5:34 am
Acorn CNC Controller: Yes
Allin1DC CNC Controller: No
Oak CNC controller: No
CNC Control System Serial Number: 0479B7ABD46B-0319203088
DC3IOB: No
CNC12: Yes
CNC11: No
CPU10 or CPU7: No

Re: Bridgeport J-series mill convert

Post by Christian Wahl »

The cabinet had to match rest of the machine (the top at least)
IMG_20210302_143627.jpg
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And be placed on the wall
IMG_20210320_154746.jpg
IMG_20210320_154759.jpg
IMG_20210320_155047.jpg
Two 3 phase output on the side
IMG_20210320_155129.jpg
Bridgeport J-head retrofit
Just for fun
Christian Wahl
Posts: 9
Joined: Sun Apr 12, 2020 5:34 am
Acorn CNC Controller: Yes
Allin1DC CNC Controller: No
Oak CNC controller: No
CNC Control System Serial Number: 0479B7ABD46B-0319203088
DC3IOB: No
CNC12: Yes
CNC11: No
CPU10 or CPU7: No

Re: Bridgeport J-series mill convert

Post by Christian Wahl »

Had to bore out the joke to adapt the ballnuts
IMG_20210225_143001.jpg
And shrimp on a support ring so it is enougt material for tapping
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Had to adjust the lenght of the x-axis ballscrew
IMG_20210215_183314.jpg
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And make a new endcap
IMG_20210228_193141.jpg
spraypainting stepper holders, made of 5mm steelplate
IMG_20210213_155119.jpg
Bridgeport J-head retrofit
Just for fun
cnckeith
Posts: 7164
Joined: Wed Mar 03, 2010 4:23 pm
Acorn CNC Controller: Yes
Allin1DC CNC Controller: Yes
Oak CNC controller: Yes
CNC Control System Serial Number: none
DC3IOB: Yes
CNC11: Yes
CPU10 or CPU7: Yes
Contact:

Re: Bridgeport J-series mill convert

Post by cnckeith »

Wow! lots of great work! very nice, thanks for sharing!
Need support? READ THIS POST first. http://centroidcncforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=1043
All Acorn Documentation is located here: viewtopic.php?f=60&t=3397
Answers to common questions: viewforum.php?f=63
and here viewforum.php?f=61
Gear we use but don't sell. https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_di ... _gear.html
Christian Wahl
Posts: 9
Joined: Sun Apr 12, 2020 5:34 am
Acorn CNC Controller: Yes
Allin1DC CNC Controller: No
Oak CNC controller: No
CNC Control System Serial Number: 0479B7ABD46B-0319203088
DC3IOB: No
CNC12: Yes
CNC11: No
CPU10 or CPU7: No

Re: Bridgeport J-series mill convert

Post by Christian Wahl »

I use som network cabels as signal for the steppers, shielded and easy to connect

I waiting for contacts to the current for the steppers, 4 pin aviation conectors
IMG_20210320_155149.jpg
mounted som aluminiumrails for the home/limitswitches ( bougt rail for curtains, perfect)
I use proximity switches in series to limit the use of inputs on the Acorn board.
Snapchat-690719245.jpg
Picture of the motors mounted, the 5mm steel is not ridgid enought, so i have too make som new ones (one day)
I choose to use the table as the moving Z-axe, for I wish to retain the ability to use the milling-head manually.
I have mounted 2 gas springs (1000N each)to relieve the screw.
The orginal screw and nut is used(lot of backlash) but the compensator function in the software removes it.
I will change to a 30mm ballnut/screw in the future )
IMG_20210320_155202.jpg
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Bridgeport J-head retrofit
Just for fun
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