Bridgeport head removal?

[FishingMan]

Im going to be removing a head from a series 1 variable speed bridgeport.
I need some tips for not messing anything up. I read somewhere about a brass gear in the head.Thanks for some info.

 

[JSGAuto]

Rotate the head upside down, and use the table to support it.

Really easy to remove. Watch some of the you-tube videos.

 

[matt_i]

Just be prepared for a couple of things...the collet drawbar is just held in by gravity so it will eventually fall out as you rotate the head over. Also some amount of oil is slowly going to leak out.

 

[OccupantRJ]

When you unbolt the head it will need to move outward about 6 inches or so to clear the mounting bolts. Have the table in position to allow this travel to support the head until clear of the bolts. The bolts will be loose and floppy, and can be removed by sliding them around to a removal slot in the yoke later if needed. The head is trickier to install than to remove due to the floppy bolts and mating the gear teeth properly.

The variable speed head is quite heavy. I suggest a helper. The table can be lowered to allow transfer of the head to a suitable height cart that will transport it.

 

[737mechanic]

This outfit has some good videos on the vertical mill.

 

[FishingMan]

Thanks guys. Ive watched alot of videos and read all kinds of posts. Im going into battle.
Table and head tomorrow. Towtruck for rest next weekend. Cant wait to get it up and running at home

 

[bctexas]

Are you removing the head in order to move the mill?

FWIW, last year I had my mill moved by a rigger. I rotated the head upside down and supported it with the table. The rigger lifted it with a short forklift that fit into my home garage, set it on a trailer and delivered it to my new shop. No need to disassemble.....

 

[FishingMan]

Im lowering down my walkout basement stairs with my forklift. Mill wont rust in basement. I already did my lathe . Basement stays about the same temp all yr. All i have to do now is learn how to be a machinist.

 

[MushCreek]

When I move them, I take them apart at the ram turntable. I move the ram all the way in, and nod the head up and back. Four bolts, lift with an appropriate piece of equipment (I use a cherry picker). There's a cast 'spider' inside the casting that it bolts to. Now the base is lighter and has a much lower center of gravity. I lower the table all the way down and in, and run a sling down under the knee at the column.

 

[OccupantRJ]

You obviously have some experience with the stair situation now, so just be careful and post pictures for others to learn from.