Photo Index - Bridgeport Machines Inc. - 2J2 Varidrive

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Bridgeport Machines Inc.
Bridgeport, CT

True Manufacturer:
Bridgeport Machines Inc., Bridgeport, CT

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Metal Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Mill, Vertical
Machine Size:	9" x 42"
Submitted By:	John Olsen

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	2J2 Varidrive
Date of Manufacturer:	1981
Serial Number:	223379
Last Updated	6/14/2016 6:37:03 PM

Comments:

A friend of mine worked as a Quality Manager at a nearby manufacturing plant. The plant engineering department had a small experimental development area with some machinery. Due to some safety incidents, the decision was made to close down the engineering area and get rid of the machines. Lucky for me she was able to get property pass approval to remove the machine and take it home as it was considered to be in pretty rough shape. Of course I promptly inherited it and set about bringing it back to life.

Overall the mill was in pretty good condition. But it needed new belts, varidrive bushings, various bearings, some knobs, and a solid cleaning. The knee ways had some wear on them, but still had only a few thousands run out over six inches in y axis and only a couple thousands over six inches in x axis, more than good enough for any work I would use it for. I ordered a head rebuild kit and spent a few months rebuilding it. Adjusted the gibs and backlash. Works great now!

One of my favorite machines in my shop, gets used all the time.

Photo 1:

Comments: Finished unit.
Source: John Olsen

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Photo 2:

Comments: Head disassembled in background. Removing knee with tractor.
Source: John Olsen

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Photo 3:

Comments: Smoothing and filling the cast iron base
Source: John Olsen

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Photo 4:

Comments: Lower unit and table cleaned, painted, greased, and reassembled
Source: John Olsen

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Photo 5:

Comments: Quill Housing ready for rebuild kit
Source: John Olsen

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Photo 6:

Comments: Reassembled 2J2 Head
Source: John Olsen

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