Bridgeport machine cover . Do they exist

[FishingMan]

Im looking for a cover to put over my milling machine. Does anyone have a source for one or a makeshift alternative? I have a series 1 variable speed j head.

 

[larry_g]

Google 'old bed sheet'

lg
no neat sig line


Sorry couldn't resist, it's what I use.

 

[FishingMan]

I have a big moving blanket on it now but i want something nice that fits better.

 

[Aerospace Eng]

I second the old bed sheet.

If you want something that fits better, use clothespins to make seams on the bedsheet until you like what you have, cut the flaps off, and voila, a pattern for canvas or whatever you want.

 

[marinusdees]

Used Barnum and Bailey tent??

 

[larry_g]

Now let me tell you a downside to an old bedsheet. I have one mill that is stored in the dirty side of the shop and rarely used. I had a bedsheet draped over it to keep it a bit cleaner. It sat for most of a year once and though the machine was well oiled, where the sheet contacted bare metal there were rust spots. I can only surmise that the sheet did not prevent condensation in those spots and actually held moisture allowing the machine to rust in those places. So choose your cover material wisely.

have you considered a BBQ cover or the material off of a Pop up tent or shade cloth? I also believe that one of the custom car cover company's will build to suit or a motorcycle cover?

https://www.calcarcover.com/

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Stuart in MN]

https://www.sherline.com/product/5150-5151-vertical-mill-vinyl-dust-cover/
https://affinitytool.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=cover

 

[FishingMan]

Thanks Stuart. That should do the trick

 

[whateg01]

I'd like to see that Sherline stretch to fit over a Bridgeport!

Lately, I have had to store a couple of machines outside. The cheap tarps don't last and I didn't really want to spend the money for a good tarp that may only get used once. BBQ covers work great, if you can find one in the right dimensions.

Dave

 

[FishingMan]

Bbq cover might work good for my Lathe. Ive never seen a grill as big as a bridgeport

 

[whateg01]

...Ive never seen a grill as big as a bridgeport

Not as tall, but I saw some grill covers that were pretty darn big last time I went looking. Not what I'd call fitted, but they might drape over a mill well enough to protect it at least better than a bedsheet. Maybe not. YMMV. And all that...

Dave

 

[Provincial]

Spray the bedsheet with Scotchguard before using it. That will make it slightly water repellant.

I have used the same bedsheet to cover my Atlas 10x24 lathe for 30 years. It has acquired a light coating of oil over the years, and has never held moisture against the surfaces such to cause corrosion.

 

[Robert Haas]

Big mistake, Been there, turned a damn nice machine into a patina covered mess.

Oil it, let the dust sit on it and when you fire it up you can wipe down the areas that need to be used.

Dust acts like a wick for the oil.