Bridgeport feed control lever

I have recently acquired a Bridgeport but am having two problems, and had a third which I have dealt with. In transit, the locknut on the adjusting screw next to the quill loosened and I have reset this so that the vertical pin seems to trip the feed control OK. However, the feed control lever does not snap to and fro. It engages in a smooth slide and when released by the stop's motion, the bolt merely makes a rather half hearted slide with the lever hanging loose. I think it should release with a much more positive movement. The feed reverse knob continues to rotate and clicks.

I assume that this is probably because the clutch is wrongly adjusted and the ring controlling its force needs to be turned to tighten, but is this likely to be correct; I don't want to do any damage.

The quill also feels slightly rough when moved with the hand lever, as if a gear is catching slightly. I imagine that this might again be down to the clutch, but am not sure.

Wisdom from an expert would be greatly appreciated.

I'm not an expert but used a Bridgeport for many years & can confirm the down feed should snap out of engagement with a positive feel. It does sound as if the adjustment is 'out' because the quill normally shouldn't feel rough at all, I would imagine there must be a Bridgeport manual online ? Or maybe the website 'Lathes.co.uk' has them for sale.

Tony

Yes manuals are online

Edited By Tony Pratt 1 on 13/10/2020 17:28:35

Thanks Tony. I do have a manual and have spent some time looking at threads and videos, but they don't answer my specific questions.

Martin

Time to take it all down, clean, inspect and carefully re-assemble.

Hopefully just crud build up due to under-use. As Tony says normally the system snaps out quickly and positively. It also responds well to adjustment if in proper order.

Don't forget about the doubled up grub screws used to ensure that some things stay locked up tight. If the bush that the manual feed lever runs in has managed to unlock, or never been porperly locked up, and shifted sideways a touch it can upset the overload clutch action.

Generally a strip and clean is good for a decade of proper operation. So do it nce, do it rigt and just use it.

Clive

Thanks Clive. I have looked at the clutch and it appears to be clean, but now will not quite go back, leaving a mm or so of daylight. The mechanism has been refurbished, os possibly adjustment is simply called for, however I don't quite understand why the clutch housing will not go fully back, unless the gear teeth are refusing to mesh. As a result, there is no drive to the feed. However, manual feed on the quill is nice and free. Hey ho.