bridgeport mill help

[JMJones]

I rotated the head on my bridgeport to move it. I was rotating it back up and the socket head shaft sheared. How can I safely get the head into the upright position? If I can get it up, is it safe to use if I don't complete the fix right away? Any help is greatly appreciated?

Thanks

John

 

[kuraki]

I don't understand exactly what broke from your description. They can tilt/rotate in 3 directions. Can you post a picture?

 

[JMJones]

The price in my hand is what broke, rotates mill clockwise or counterclockwise

 

[kuraki]

OK. That's the head of a worm gear. The only way to use as is, is to get the shaft of the worm out. I can't remember how it's retained, I think a snap ring. Plus it will be engaged to the threads in the housing. You may have to separate the head from the housing to get the shaft out. Not necessarily off the machine, but enough that it's no longer engaged.

Unless you have a hoist over the machine or you come up with a way to block the head up using the table and knee, it'll be a 2 man job. It's also going to be a challenge to tram in without that worm.

I would order the replacement shaft and wait rather than pull it apart twice. Unless you can actually get at the shaft without separating the head, then it's not so bad but I think you will.

 

[kuraki]

Is that a J-1 head? Stepped pulley? Looks like it. Here's a schematic that shows that part, though not real well. I don't see any snap ring or retaining method.