“New” Bridgeport – wanting to learn CNC

Chipper5783

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I'm not sure if I'm in the correct forum - after all, it is a Bridgeport machine.

This is one of those “It seemed like a good idea at the time stories”.

CNC machines just seem so cool, I wanted to have a go at it myself. Though I am not a machinist, I go into plenty of machine shops as part of my day job. CNC mills in particular seem to have practically taken over much of the milling machine space (and open up functions that would be challenging with a manual machine). I have been reading lots of “CNC mill” post here, and talking to plenty of folks about what to look for. Over the past several years I’ve looked at a several machines and “kicked tires” on a few. When a ’98, 4 axis VMC turned up in my area - off I went to heck it out. I got to see the machine run, it came with 40 assorted spindle tools, chip conveyor and the usual kit that BP fitted these VMCs (20 tool ATC, flood coolant, full enclosure, slide covers, lighting, automated way lube, air drawbar and spindle seal).

Since I had the space, and theoretically enough power in the wall (largest motor 15 HP, 20kVA machine nameplate) and a price tag less than what the tooling would have cost – I went for it. A condition of the purchase was to use a professional machine mover to get it out of the building (the move was nearly half the price of the machine). In retrospect, it was money well spent (the move went very well and the pain associated with signing the check was short lived). My little 5HP rotary phase converter was certainly not going to work out – and all recommendations were that, although a good quality rotary PC would provide power of adequate quality – for “just a little bit more, you could get a Phase Perfect”. The PP cost as much as the combined cost of the VMC machine and moving it! Now my whole shop is powered by the PP – it is much nicer than the rotary (quieter and the machines start with more authority).

I’m rationalizing the cost of the power upgrade as something I “needed”, so it does not count into the cost of the VMC .

When I got the machine home and started going over it – everything seemed to be intact, they had even cleaned it! In spite of “looking clean” – I started pulling the guards. There were chips in and under everywhere – needle like chips at that. I have spent about 60 hours just in getting all the slide covers off & on, apart (these are fitted with a very sturdy set of covers over all the slides) and vacuuming & wiping everything in sight. The machine actually powered up without issue and responds to the basic set up commands: Drives on, Home Axis, jog all 4 axis and the spindle, change tools – so far so good.

There is certainly risk in getting an old industrial machine. There is 3rd party support in my area (he has worked on this machine over the years and many BP parts are available). This was a very expensive machine back in the day – yet it seems when the software starts to fall behind, a working machine becomes a “boat anchor”. The previous owner had it for sale for quite a while with no expressions of interest. The commercial operators don’t seem to be interested for the same reason he was getting rid of it (older software – the DX-32 controller seems to be out of favor) and a small shop / home guy will struggle with space, transport or power.

I’m usually advising other hobby folks to get as big a machine as they can fit in their work space, provide power for or manage financially (even a “big” home machine is still pretty small by commercial standards). So this was a chance to try out my own advice. I can now max out my available electrical service, it takes up more space than our mini-van, and it was cheaper in cash / time for the features given, than so many builds written up on various posts and blogs. I have seen the question of getting an older commercial CNC come up a number of times here on HM. For the tiny bit I know right now, I can say I have no regrets.

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That's a lot of machine. :) Now we need to see what you make with it.
 
What an awesome home machine! Congrats. Put that puppy to use!
 
I'm not sure if I'm in the correct forum - after all, it is a Bridgeport machine.

This is one of those “It seemed like a good idea at the time stories”.

CNC machines just seem so cool, I wanted to have a go at it myself. Though I am not a machinist, I go into plenty of machine shops as part of my day job. CNC mills in particular seem to have practically taken over much of the milling machine space (and open up functions that would be challenging with a manual machine). I have been reading lots of “CNC mill” post here, and talking to plenty of folks about what to look for. Over the past several years I’ve looked at a several machines and “kicked tires” on a few. When a ’98, 4 axis VMC turned up in my area - off I went to heck it out. I got to see the machine run, it came with 40 assorted spindle tools, chip conveyor and the usual kit that BP fitted these VMCs (20 tool ATC, flood coolant, full enclosure, slide covers, lighting, automated way lube, air drawbar and spindle seal).

Since I had the space, and theoretically enough power in the wall (largest motor 15 HP, 20kVA machine nameplate) and a price tag less than what the tooling would have cost – I went for it. A condition of the purchase was to use a professional machine mover to get it out of the building (the move was nearly half the price of the machine). In retrospect, it was money well spent (the move went very well and the pain associated with signing the check was short lived). My little 5HP rotary phase converter was certainly not going to work out – and all recommendations were that, although a good quality rotary PC would provide power of adequate quality – for “just a little bit more, you could get a Phase Perfect”. The PP cost as much as the combined cost of the VMC machine and moving it! Now my whole shop is powered by the PP – it is much nicer than the rotary (quieter and the machines start with more authority).

I’m rationalizing the cost of the power upgrade as something I “needed”, so it does not count into the cost of the VMC .

When I got the machine home and started going over it – everything seemed to be intact, they had even cleaned it! In spite of “looking clean” – I started pulling the guards. There were chips in and under everywhere – needle like chips at that. I have spent about 60 hours just in getting all the slide covers off & on, apart (these are fitted with a very sturdy set of covers over all the slides) and vacuuming & wiping everything in sight. The machine actually powered up without issue and responds to the basic set up commands: Drives on, Home Axis, jog all 4 axis and the spindle, change tools – so far so good.

There is certainly risk in getting an old industrial machine. There is 3rd party support in my area (he has worked on this machine over the years and many BP parts are available). This was a very expensive machine back in the day – yet it seems when the software starts to fall behind, a working machine becomes a “boat anchor”. The previous owner had it for sale for quite a while with no expressions of interest. The commercial operators don’t seem to be interested for the same reason he was getting rid of it (older software – the DX-32 controller seems to be out of favor) and a small shop / home guy will struggle with space, transport or power.

I’m usually advising other hobby folks to get as big a machine as they can fit in their work space, provide power for or manage financially (even a “big” home machine is still pretty small by commercial standards). So this was a chance to try out my own advice. I can now max out my available electrical service, it takes up more space than our mini-van, and it was cheaper in cash / time for the features given, than so many builds written up on various posts and blogs. I have seen the question of getting an older commercial CNC come up a number of times here on HM. For the tiny bit I know right now, I can say I have no regrets.
Congrats! Go big or go home! I have a BP Series 1 with a circa 1983 Anilam 2-axis CNC and will be upgrading. I didn't buy it for the CNC, but now that I've had a taste, I have a little buyer's remorse. No remorse with your machine, looking forward to seeing it in action!

Bruce
 
I had looked at this machine when it was first listed, and convinced myself that it was too much machine for me: hard to move, would trigger a significant power upgrade and would take up an awful lot of real estate in the shop (I've the room, but not room to waste) and the price was too rich for my blood. So 8 months later, I thought I'd check in on how much it sold for (after all, I didn't really want such a big machine). He had not had any other inquiries and really wanted it gone - "okay, maybe it isn't too much machine after all."

So I thought I'd write a few little G-codes, using the manual data input (just to make a few chips). Next step would be to get a conversational / creator editor (i.e. G-Code Wizard) and work towards actual 3D modelling and using a CAM package the way all this kit is intended to be utilized. I'm not sure when all that is going to happen (am I the only one here plagued with too many projects I want to do? Not to mention all the projects that really need to get done else the house will fall apart!).

Can anyone recommend a G-Code conversational program? The Wizard program looks great, but I can't put the dedicated time into it to take advantage of their promotional window (and their promo window is quite generous).

Regards, David
 
I've never used conversational, but have had great luck with the conventional CAM programs. If you have any 2D or 3D modeling experience then you shouldn't find it too bad to learn. Much more flexible. I use MasterCAM, but I know a ton of people use Fusion 360 and like that.
 
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