Hi all,

Back in March I won a 1981 UK Bridgeport in 'unworking - condition unknown' (erm) condition.

New machine day - 1981 2hp Series 1 Bridgeport

14 weeks later of spending (literally) every spare moment on it, it is finally back in one piece. The irony being it still doesn't work! (I am chasing something electrical). But, I thought it time to share some pics. Still some things to do (like the hare/tortoise plate is not finished, the table looks like the Somme etc) but posting here is me rewarding myself for it getting every part out of boxes or off the floor, into working condition, and back on to the damn machine. Without any exaggeration it has been a huge undertaking but I wanted to get it done so I can get back on with the 'real' project of getting the basket case grinder working again. This poor neglected old lady:

Brown and Sharpe No 2 Surface Grinder - the basket case

Anyways, pics:

IMG_20180325_125514.jpgIMG_20180325_145348.jpg

and after:

IMG_20180708_161113.jpgIMG_20180708_163854.jpgIMG_20180708_163917.jpg

I am glad I did a complete nut-and-bolt on it. Not one oil passage on the entire machine was free - all oil meters were clogged. Spindle was incorrectly back together, stuff rattling around inside head, some bearings felt like they'd been underwater for some time (and some rust evident here and there on bearing races etc - weird), the auto-feed fwd/neutral/reverse pull/push knob not working, etc etc etc. Just the result of 35 years of industrial use I guess.

All up including the H&W top-end rebuild kit (recommended), missing bits, paint and consumables (like almost 20lt of cleaning solvent) the refurb put about $1k on the purchase price. Not outrageous, but worth factoring in.

Anyways, I am enjoying a quality Spanish lager and sitting back. Can post more pics if you like.

Greg.

Edit: I forgot to do a big shout out to some forum members.

Anorak Bob: thank you for the manual you sent - truly, it was a godsend. I have poured over it for hours.
Juglanregia: thanks for the quality pics of the 1980 UK SN# / oiling plate. I'm yet to get there to re-make it, but that will be the final piece to put on it. )

Cheers guys.
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