bridgeport BR2J

I have been looking into buying a bridgeport br2j with vari speed head. Please could someone help me out on what single to 3 phase inverter I need to buy?

I run my Ajax AJT4 on an IMO converter from Drives Direct.

My machine has a similar varispeed head to the bridgeport with a 3HP motor, I went for a 4HP inverter just to give a little 'headroom'. This has worked flawlessly for over 3 years.

I believe the Bridgeport has a 2HP motor so you would need a 2 or 3 HP inverter, best thing to do is give drives direct a call and explain your requirements, they will advise which is the best device for your needs.

CB

Thanks for your reply, very helpful. You wouldnt know if I would need a single phase to 3 phase 240v inverter or a single phase to 3phase 415v inverter?

You can use the cheaper 3 phase 240 v inverter because the motor of the bridgy can be changed from 440v star to delta quite easily.

If you are going to fit an inverter it should be able to give you variable speed you wont need the Variable belt drive of the Varispeed.

My 2HP 2J has an inverter I dont often use the Variable bit as it's easier to turn the knob to change speed.

And the Varispeed is more trouble with more expensive components to go wrong in it than the Step Belt head machines trust me I know.

Paul

Paul is correct, those Vari-speeds are an accident waiting to happen.

I repair the motor shafts of roughly 15 to 20 a year and that is only from the Midlands area and I'm certain i don't do them all.

If we had had decent cheap inverter drives years ago then they would not have invented the vari-speed.

Also what many people don't know is the step speed and varispeed is interchangeable not as in complete head change the the Bridgy head is basically two units, the lower drive unit and the upper motor unit.

Once split from the middle three bolts you can easily swap the upper part.

I obtained a step speed head last year to replace my ageing varispeed. Fitted a brand new 3Hp motor but didn't fit it as I replace the complete machine with a new one.

I have this step speed top half and new motor as a complete unit going spare if anyone needs to do the same.

thanks for the advise, I've been offered this machine for a crazy price (600), the guy has had it from new and only has machined aluminium. So I'm prepared to take the chance that something will go wrong, for that kind of money.

Ross,

As I've said, my Ajax is of the vari-speed type, very similar to a bridgeport. The only things I've had to do was replace the main drive belt (around £70) and the plastic sleeve bushes on the vari speed sheaves, I made these myself from delrin as I couldn't obtain the correct items from the manufacturer due to the age of the machine. Bridgeports are better supported than 'clones'

I use the vari speed more than the speed control on the inverter and it has proved faultless. As long as the motor shaft is in good condition and there is no excessive noise from the head I would go for it.

CB

Ross, at £600 the price seems reasonable, but make sure the head is not noisy as rectifying problems is expensive.

Common fault: The BR2J heads have a couple of clutch shafts which if worn will make quite a racket, replacements parts from Hardinge (Current owners of Bridgeport) are in the region of £750, but pattern parts can be had for around £300-400.

Spindle bearings are in the region of £300-350 just for the parts.

As you can see what may appear to be a bargain machine could be anything but.

See here for a list of parts prices Bridgeport Parts give you some idea of what you are getting into.

Paul

Edited By _Paul_ on 20/09/2013 01:45:14

John, I don't suppose you can detail the supplier and P/N on that 3 HP motor can you? I have the J head with 5 position dual speed motor. I am not 100% sure since I have read conflicting information online, but as I understand things it is not suitable for use with a VFD. I'd like to fit a VFD to the head and am considering my options. (My situation is not quite the same, I have 400VAC and am really looking to add VFD to the head only.)

Thanks,

Steve