That Bridgeport WILL come out one way or another...

[Zaxxn]

Take pics and/or videos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's going to be wife's job! LOL! I rather concentrate on what's going on...I haven't mentioned yet that I will also get some practice of increasingly heavier equipment that will come out of that basement onto truck/trailer before that Bridgeport comes out Should be fun!

 

[bimmer1980]

I agree with the guys that say to take the head and the ram off. Neither are difficult to do. Although, I recommend at least three guys to man handle the ram safely. I did this when I transported my Bridgeport.

I have not removed a table, so I cannot speak to that.

Bolting the base to two 6x6" "sled" runners would probably help. I would get a polyethylene "movers" sled to allow it to slide easier.... 1/8" thick HDPE. Refrigerator moving mat is also what they are called.

Regardless of how you go..... Watch the center of gravity. Slow and steady will win the day....

 

[rsanter]

I could certainly take it all apart, I don't think it's a crazy amount of work to do so, but what's involved in putting it all back together though? I mean, in a way that preserves some of that beautiful accuracy the mill seems to have right now?

And, I most definitely will take pictures...there are a few more goodies following me home from this trip

As for unloading it at my shop, I am not that worried. I've got plenty of ceiling height, 12' high bay doors and a hefty forklift available. Another reason why I would prefer to leave together at least below the head - most people that move BPs (not out of basements obviously! LOL!) grab them with some wood blocks on the forks right on the turret, which I was planning to do too to get it off the truck and into it's new home.

The reason why I figured to pull it up on it's side rather than the back was because I figured the side of the foot is longer and it would be more stable that way around. (And it would only be pulled/slid up until there is enough clearance to yank it upright out of the hole with the wrecker, which isn't too far actually! Probably would make good sense to tie a rope on a side of the machine to prevent it from spinning from afar though!)

Oh, and definitely plenty of beer for afterwards for everyone, along with most likely a smoker full of meat

Removing the head and the turret with lose no accuracy when put back together.
Remember that you have to index the head anyway from time to time.

Removing the table you will have a tapered shim that will need to be readjusted properly but that is not that hard

Bob

 

[MushCreek]

Grease works, too. I once bought a huge, heavy (1000 lbs) table saw. I hauled it home in my little Datsun pick-up, then tried to figure out how to get it into my garage. I borrowed some wood ramps from a buddy, and painted them up with grease. I eased it up onto the ramps with a pry bar, and once I got it on the ramps, it shot down the ramps and into the garage. There it sat until I sold it. It turns out a 20" table saw isn't very practical.

 

[Kevin54]

Turn the head sideways 90 degrees, and hook to the eyebolt in the head. Lay some OSB down on the steps, and slide it up. A couple of people below can keep it straight. No way would I dismantle it if there is room to come up the stairs.

 

[RoninB4]

My biggest suggestion per your drawing is to NOT pull from the top of the mill, do it at the bottom or it will want to tip over. Use a pipe (sideways) or even a block of wood to roll/lift the cable up/over the ramp you place on the stairs. Attach a come-along to an eye-bolt on the ram and adjust it to the angle the mill will have once it's on the stairs to maintain a constant angle that will pull on BOTH at the same time. If you're going to be moving more machinery then you might as well invest in a toe-jack and some machine skates (or make these) as it will make moving machinery a LOT easier/safer. Dragging machinery on boards or rolling on pipes is ok but a whole lot easier/safer with machine skates you can but or make yourself. I moved my Bridgeport, surface grinder, jig borer, and an 800 lb. granite surface plate by myself with these. Take your time, move it a little and re-check the load. The potential for injury moving machinery is big and the results can be nasty. Hiring someone with a roll-back tow truck will make this easy. That's how I moved a 5,000 pound machine. Good luck.

 

[Zaxxn]

My biggest suggestion per your drawing is to NOT pull from the top of the mill, do it at the bottom or it will want to tip over. Hiring someone with a roll-back tow truck will make this easy. That's how I moved a 5,000 pound machine. Good luck.

Hi Ronin! These are some great suggestions, and aside from skates, I come equipped with moving equipment including a roll-back truck and an extendable boom truck. I am very fortunate to have friends that own all that.

The thought about slinging it around the top as per BP manual was that we can plug it out of the hatchway with the boom truck that way, using the come-a-long to "gracefully" lower the mill to it's side/back in concert with the boom truck's winch until it's laying down on the ramp completely, then winch it up the ramp until there is enough clearance to reverse/boom out with the truck while winching in, and eventually just plugging it out of the hatchway.

I would think with most of the force pulling upwards once she is laying down, there really isn't a chance of anything tipping. I was thinking I'll attach a couple lines to the base to prevent her from swinging from afar once she's "airborne".

Sorry if my wording gets confusing at times - even though I've been here for quite some time, the German grammar shines though ;-)


Thanks,
Zax

 

[Zaxxn]

Turn the head sideways 90 degrees, and hook to the eyebolt in the head. Lay some OSB down on the steps, and slide it up. A couple of people below can keep it straight. No way would I dismantle it if there is room to come up the stairs.

This was kind of my initial thought, aside from the fact that I don't completely trust that 5/8 eye bolt. And I know they moved those things around by it in the factory. I did buy a 4,000lbs lifting eye with the right thread, but was thinking to sling the mill for lifting and use the eye bold for support while laying her down, basically preventing her from falling over and doing it a bit more gracefully per the drawing in the first post with a come-a-long or so.

 

[RoninB4]

Ahhh...didn't realize you were going to lay it down. If so, then "tipping over" is not an issue at all. Using skates would make things go fairly smooth and I'd suggest investing in 4 of them if you plan on moving more machinery. I even use them around the shop when I want to clean under the machine or just change the shop layout a bit. There should be NO people in the downhill path of the machine while it's coming up the stair ramp, if something breaks loose it will maim or kill anybody in the way. Control the machine with ropes on either side held by people at the top of the stairs as you bring the machine up. That eye-bolt is rated for a load in line with the axis of the bolt (tensile strength), not pulling perpendicular (shear strength) to the axis. It's for lifting, not dragging. Slings, ropes, cables, and skates are how you want to extract it out of the basement. That friend with a tow truck will make this much easier.

 

[Zaxxn]

Thanks again, Ronin! Awesome advice. And, I doubt I can get some skates in time, but my buddy may actually have some. I know I have two pallet jacks as well, but I don't like to use them for top heavy loads. The lathe is ok on them, but that's about as high as I go.

Definitely will have no one in the path of that hunk of steel, nothing good could come from that. I'll make sure to have enough slings with me. I am sure the "laying down" part will be a bit unnerving, but once that part is done it seems to me to be the easiest way to pluck it out of the hole with the "crane". I am very fortunate to have that friend - I had him bring over some of his bigger trucks to stand up the 14' wall sections while I build my shop

The truck we're taking is an International wrecker with an extendable boom and hydraulic winches. We pulled a smaller backhoe out of the marsh with it once as the tide came in and it got stuck in the muck. Should have enough ooomph to lift that Bridgeport out. I don't really want to take anything bigger into the backyard of the seller to not completely mess up his lawn.

 

[ez-duzit]

It has probably been mentioned, but a toe bar and toe jack are indispensable tools for rigging heavy machinery like this.

 

[bl00]

Here's a few links with photos of people moving mills up/down stairs. Might be something in there that's useful to you.
http://bullfire.net/Mill/Milling Machine.html
http://bridgeport.askmisterscience.com/bridgeport.htm
http://bluechipmachineshop.com/bc_blog/moving-a-bridgeport-milling-machine-into-a-basement-shop/

 

[Zaxxn]

ez-duzit: Good suggestion! Unfortunately too late to get one. I've got a long grizzly bar, that should work out too I hope.

bl00: I guess there are more basement shops with mills in them, huh? I was surprised when I walked into that basement the first time and saw that mill in there, along with everything else that somehow made it down there!

Tomorrow is the day, just made sure I have enough slings, straps, etc.
Thanks again for all the info...I love this community.

--Zax

 

[ez-duzit]

Z--good luck tomorrow. Err on the side of caution.

 

[egdede]

...I've moved some big stuff out of tight places over the years. If someone got it in there, it will come out! Good luck and be safe....

They might have to work at it though. They'll get my lista to the top step and wonder why the door seems 3" too small. (Because I put a header in the hack-job access door after I put the Lista in the basement.)

 

[bcoke]

An old timer once told me DOWN IS PLAY............UP IS WORK ........think gravity!

 

[Zaxxn]

An old timer once told me DOWN IS PLAY............UP IS WORK ........think gravity!

Hahahaha, I DO like that line, and boy is it true!

SO, we just got into the house from the shop, unloaded everything...BUT...no Bridgeport!!!! Yep, she didn't fit through the basement door. No matter how much the seller thought it would. So, i started disassembly today already, table is off and a few other bits and pieces, but next Saturday I will be back there definitely with that wrecker again and my fold-able engine hoist. Remove the head, remove the turret, remove the knee, and out will she come. We got a lot of practice today, and yes, wife took tons of pics that I will post tomorrow once she uploads them all.

I briefly started going through some of the (fully stocked) cabinets, and ammunition crates the guy told me to load up too...and I fear this post will turn into a lot of "you *****" soon enough, especially considering the price I paid for the entire lot. I mean, not crazy high quality stuff, lots of far east stuff, but still...TONS of tooling, two massive machine vices, a nice two part vice, etc, etc, he told me to take all kinds of stuff with me as well. A beautiful drill press, A nice 8" Delta bench grinder on an awesome pedestal, cabinets full of metal assortment boxes on sliding rails filled with hardware, etc. etc.

Back in my shop, I put the lathe back on it's base cabinet, found a massive independent 4 jaw chuck, a couple steady rests and some other bits and pieces. Unfortunately he told me that he sold a smaller lathe before I got the rest of the stuff and that buyer loaded up most of the tooling that was supposed to go with the big lathe I got...so I am missing tools, tool holders, etc...but I have the quick change tool post. Have to find a way to figure out what brand/model it is to get them...didn't find any indications on the post so far.

Ok, time to shower. Badly needed. OH! And got a beautiful cut off saw too...old, but awesome. Don't even know what these are called. Almost like an automatic hack saw for stock. Has two speeds, oscillates back and forth, uses like a ginormeous version of a hacksaw blade and lowers itself down. Has a vice for clamping stock on it and is setup for liquid cooling. Beautifully restored/maintained.
One could tell, the father who owned all this equipment was very meticulous about everything he had.

So, pics tomorrow. Bridgeport next week. Everything else is moved! The hydraulic winches (8,000lbs) and the extendable boom was the perfect fit and will come with me again next Saturday.

Thanks again everyone for all the awesome advice and suggestions. SO very much appreciated!!!

--Zax

 

[Zaxxn]

Z--good luck tomorrow. Err on the side of caution.

Thank you! Luck was had and most everything went without a hitch. Only had to yell a few times at folks to get out of the way of where a cable could snap to or a machine could come flying back down...guess people don't automatically think of these things. Personally I err a lot of times too far on the side of caution, but have gotten through life fairly well that way so far

 

[walta]

If at all possible do not take the knee off the machine.


Walta

 

[txvwnut]

Thank you! Luck was had and most everything went without a hitch. Only had to yell a few times at folks to get out of the way of where a cable could snap to or a machine could come flying back down...guess people don't automatically think of these things. Personally I err a lot of times too far on the side of caution, but have gotten through life fairly well that way so far

You said there would be pics.

 

[Zaxxn]

You said there would be pics.

Hahaha, yes, yes, I did!!! I mean, I also said that Bridgeport will come out of there...and, it WILL, just did not yesterday. But at least some pics will come today

So, here they are! Nothing really exciting though I fear. But then again, you don't really want all that much excitement when doing stuff like this. But as you can see in the end, I am definitely very excited about my new lathe (along with all the other goodies from the first haul!) ;-)

Here's a shot of the "hole" it all has to come out of...yep...smaller than thought! My hatch way at least is way bigger than this.
That shot of the basement gives you at least a little bit of an idea...there is a lot more stuff down there. That saw (whatever it may be called in technical terms) is a real gem! It's all cleaned up and put together and I already did a test cut through some mild steel today...I love that thing! Set it and forget it until it's done. Was a heavy little thing too. Not so sure it was much lighter than the lathe! Definitely grateful for good friends helping out, and even willing to go back next week!

Wife went to town on that lathe today...cleaned, polished and waxed....hahaha. And I did some of the regular maintenance to it, although she was in great shape, just not used for a while. Now I really need to hunt down what quick change tool post it has so I can find the right pieces for it...
The lathe fit perfectly where I planned to put it, and I am still going through tooling, blocks, vices, etc...not even talking about all the hardware.

Again, you guys were awesome this whole time...and I am sure I will have more questions before next Saturday, especially for the Bridgeport gurus out there!

Thanks again everyone,
--Zax

 

[txvwnut]

Damn that equipment looks barely used. That might be an Aloris or a Dorian tool holder on the lathe. I had one of those on my lathe and switched to a Multi-fix and haven’t been happier.

 

[Zaxxn]

Damn that equipment looks barely used. That might be an Aloris or a Dorian tool holder on the lathe. I had one of those on my lathe and switched to a Multi-fix and haven’t been happier.

Yes, it really is all beautifully maintained equipment - even the mill, although the table has gotten some "injuries" from rampant end mills it looks like, but I am almost sure that is from it's "first life" before it came into the last owner's possession.

I was thinking Aloris too originally, but they are usually marked, and this has no markings whatsoever on it...here are a few better shots, maybe someone has an idea.

 

[casmurbax]

. And I did some of the regular maintenance to it, although she was in great shape, just not used for a while.
--Zax

uhm you still talking about your lathe right?


Looks great, thanks for the pictures!

 

[Zaxxn]

uhm you still talking about your lathe right?
Looks great, thanks for the pictures!

Hahahaha, yes...obviously...although...the curves on that tailstock....

 

[matt_i]

I'd say garden variety piston toolpost. Dorian and Aloris make wedge-tightening toolposts.

 

[Zaxxn]

I'd say garden variety piston toolpost. Dorian and Aloris make wedge-tightening toolposts.

That's kind of what I thought. I'll take some measurements and see if there is some Chinesium accessories to be had on that auction site...

Thanks,
Zax

 

[csp]

Power hacksaw

 

[RoninB4]

That sure was a rabbit hole you had to pull everything out of. Glad to hear there were no injuries to flesh or metal in the process. Didn't see photo but sounds like the saw is a power hacksaw. Not as versatile as a band type saw but the blades are cheap (can make things from the dull blades too) runs unattended, and is simple to repair. I'd purchase a good used one too. Piston type QC toolpost not as good/repeatable as the wedge type but it sure beats the "lantern" style tool post. It will work just fine for now. Sounds like you got a working shop in one purchase. Congratulations are in order.

 

[Doug Arthurs]

When I moved my mill last time I removed head table and knee. My old Bridgeport was much lighter so it was pretty easy to move with the knee on. If I was pulling it up a set of stairs the knee would be off.

 

[My Old Tools]

Aloris or Chinese doesn't really matter for most folks. Determine the size and almost any toolholders will work.

 

[ez-duzit]

Aloris or Chinese doesn't really matter for most folks...

Huge difference in quality.

 

[Zaxxn]

That sure was a rabbit hole you had to pull everything out of. Glad to hear there were no injuries to flesh or metal in the process. Didn't see photo but sounds like the saw is a power hacksaw. Not as versatile as a band type saw but the blades are cheap (can make things from the dull blades too) runs unattended, and is simple to repair. I'd purchase a good used one too. Piston type QC toolpost not as good/repeatable as the wedge type but it sure beats the "lantern" style tool post. It will work just fine for now. Sounds like you got a working shop in one purchase. Congratulations are in order.

Hi Ronin!

Yes, it definitely was a good haul, and the other half of the haul is still there to be picked up Saturday...I attached a few more pics of some of the things, including cabinets and carts, etc. I am definitely happy.

The power hacksaw (ah, that's what it is ) is in new condition, with a cooling pump setup and all, and a big box of new starrett blades too! For now this tool post will probably do, but I'll get something better eventually.

Thanks for the congrats...I am really happy, and don't feel too too bad about what I paid for the entire lot, because the seller is happy that he has an empty basement when he is done as he has told me.

--Zax

 

[Zaxxn]

If at all possible do not take the knee off the machine.
Walta

Hi Walta! Most likely I will have to take it off, but I will definitely try not to. What's the reason for not taking it off if possible?

Thanks,
Zax

 

[My Old Tools]

Huge difference in quality.

Not unless you use it all day every day. I've had both. Phase II are pretty good. The wedges are better than the pistons.

 

[walta]

Hi Walta! Most likely I will have to take it off, but I will definitely try not to. What's the reason for not taking it off if possible?

Thanks,
Zax

I have no personal experience removing a mills knee, but when I look at a mill 90% all the precision movement happened in the knee. From you description the machine is perfect and I see no reason needlessly mess with perfection.

With the table off and the knee lowered I cannot imagine how it could get in your way physical and you seem equipped to handle the weight.

On another forum one of the member’s avatars tagline is “Never disassemble a mills knee” I have taken that advice to heart.

Walta

 

[RoninB4]

Looks like you got a good haul with the tooling. Find a way to separate all the cutters from each other so they don't roll into each other, even just a single wrap of masking tape is good. It takes a surprisingly little amount of force for one cutter to put a tiny ding into the cutting edge of another. Doesn't seem like much until you use it and it leaves a "bump" in your otherwise smooth surface. The adjustable reamers can come in handy even if they are a PITA to get the size you need. The roll-around with drawers is great for keeping things organized and out of harm's way. That power hack saw looks real good. Most of them I've seen are old, filthy, and much larger/heavier. Yours is clean, a good size for a small shop, and even comes on a nice stand on casters so it can be moved out after cutting stock. Get something better in the future? I don't see the need for "something better" for some time. Even got a new pack of blades and it's coolant equipped, great purchase. Looking forward to seeing what else you pull out of there. How much machining experience do you have?

 

[nadogail]

Thanks for sharing your story.

 

[Zaxxn]

Get something better in the future? I don't see the need for "something better" for some time. Even got a new pack of blades and it's coolant equipped, great purchase. Looking forward to seeing what else you pull out of there. How much machining experience do you have?

Hi Ronin! Thanks for the comments - much appreciated! I meant get something better for the tool post if I ever need to, or if I can't find the tool holders for it. The power hacksaw is more than I probably ever need, the vise on it swivels for cutting angles, and it will handle whatever I would throw at it. And I got time too, since this is all a hobby and not another job.

I grew up around machinists, grandfather as well as uncle, and I worked with metal in various ways all my life as a hobby. My skill set is mostly in turning (small mini lathe) and welding (mostly TIG), milling is somewhat new to me, but have had some insight at the maker space. I love to learn new skills, so I am reading a lot, watching a lot, and taking advantage of whatever I can to learn more about it by talking to people.

 

[Zaxxn]

On another forum one of the member’s avatars tagline is “Never disassemble a mills knee” I have taken that advice to heart.

Walta

Thanks, Walta!
I will definitely heed that advice - if I don't have to, that knee is NOT coming off. It's definitely a last resort.

--Zax