How to use the Bridgeport Series 1 J-head (1 hp)

Safety first. Always follow the manufacturer’s manual and safety instructions for your machine before anything here. This page is general information only, not a substitute for the manual or for proper training. Read the disclaimer.

General operating notes for the Bridgeport Series 1 J-head (1 hp) milling machine. Control layouts and procedures vary between versions; check your manual for anything specific to your machine.

We don’t know of an official support page for this machine. Use the manual that came with it, or ask the supplier.

This machine at a glance

Speeds: 8 speeds, 80–2720 rev/min
Motor: 0.75 kW

Speeds are stepped, so pick the nearest speed at or below the one the calculators suggest.

8 belt speeds with back gear. 1½/2 hp heads run each speed about twice as fast.

Work out speeds for this machine →

Before you switch on

Clear the table of loose tools and swarf. Check the vice or clamps are tight and the work is held firmly.
Check the cutter is tight in its collet or holder, and that the drawbar is secure. Remove spanners from the drawbar.
Oil the slideways and any one-shot or oil points your manual lists.
Lock any axis you are not moving. Check the guards and emergency stop. Wear eye protection; no gloves, loose sleeves or jewellery near the spindle.

Setting the speed

Work out the speed from the cutter diameter and material with the RPM calculator.
Change belts, back gear or ranges only as your manual describes. On many mills, changing between direct drive and back gear must be done with the spindle stopped; check your manual.

Setting the feed

Use the speeds and feeds calculator for a starting feed per tooth.
Climb milling on a machine with backlash can pull the work into the cutter. Conventional milling is the safer default on manual mills.
If power feeds are fitted, set the stops and know how to disengage them before you start.

Cutter and workholding safety

Never hold work by hand for milling. Use a vice, clamps or a fixture.
Never reach past a running cutter or clear chips while the spindle turns.
Change cutters only with the spindle stopped and the machine isolated if possible.

Shutting down

Withdraw the cutter, stop the spindle and isolate the machine.

Cleaning and oiling

Brush swarf away; don’t use compressed air. Wipe and oil the table, slideways and leadscrews.
Follow your manual’s lubrication chart for oil grades and intervals.

Not affiliated with or endorsed by Hardinge or Bridgeport. Bridgeport is a trademark of its owner. See trademarks.