I picked up my free Bridgeport Mill, it needs some minor TLC

[nat]

The Bridgeport is settled in the shop next to my small CNC Mill.

It is a "J" head model and is in really good shape, I am pretty ecstatic, especially since it was free

The only thing is some surface rust on the gibbs and the table. It really isn't bad, the machine was always under cover and in a shed. It just hasn't been used in several years.

What is the best way to take care of the rust? I was going to use some scotch brite.

Any better ideas?

I have the original manual too The whole machine will get cleaned up and lubed before it is used. I got the single phase to 3 phase converter fro free too. I just need to run a 220 line to where it is at.

 

[3DAMAN!]

Hey Nat,
Since its FREE, just throw some heavy weight 30,40,50w oil on it and start turning handles. The movement of the table across the ways will clean-um up O.K. for now. Lube up the lead screws {x & y} with some heavy grease and smear some on the knee screw . Later ,If you decide you need more accuracy you can have the ways "scrapped" which is lingo for having them smoothed out and prettied up. Enjoy your new toy

 

[nat]

Well, I am going to clean the gibs anyway. Everything will get lubed and the lead screws will get grease.

I am planning on cleaning the whole outside too

 

[zebrabeefj40]

Scotchbrite dipped in oil or Kroil works fine. Wipe the oily grit/rust goop off then re-oil and enjoy your new toy.

Nick

 

[Gusb]

Free sounds good. I've been looking around a bit (Bay Area). It seems like the used market for Bridgeport Mills is better these days with the bad economy, etc. - maybe more shops have gone under... Enjoy your mill, I'm jealous. How about a picture?

 

[bugsnbikes]

rust on the table- id take .001 off it and call it new......