cleaning the Bridgeport mill

Jan 17, 2007 7 Replies

The rubber apron that protects the column and ways is not cooperating. I clean it off with simple green or solvent and it seems that everything that hits it sticks and forms glue with shavings. It has had years of exposure to Cool-mist, WD-40, etc. Anyone know what i could coat it with to keep it clean? Mop and Glo or something? Silicon spray doesn't do it. I hate to buy another one when this one works, but it looks pretty sloppy.


Remove from the mill and soak in the "purple" degreaser perhaps to dissolve hardened oils and whatnot? Be sure to use gloves as the "purple" degreaser will dissolve you as well if you give it a chance.

Why? That's why I don't repaint my machines. I don't chrome my valve covers and exhaust manifold on my car, either, because they are going to get grungy. My shop isn't a museum - FAR from it!

I vacuum the apron and accordion-pleat protectors because I want them to continue doing their great job of keeping grunge from packing under my ways.

Jon

How about replacing it.

Mine on a mill-drill was plastic. That didn't last long. My wife came home with a scrap of Pond liner - thick neoprene (rubber) and I cut a nice replacement. Flexes nice and stays clean when I want it.

The local garden center often has small left over sections for Tubs and the like from the big sheets.

Martin

Martin H. Eastburn @ home at Lions' Lair with our computer lionslair at consolidated dot net TSRA, Life; NRA LOH & Endowment Member, Golden Eagle, Patriot"s Medal. NRA Second Amendment Task Force Charter Founder IHMSA and NRA Metallic Silhouette maker & member.

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Stupendous Man wrote:

I found a roll of 20" wide 1/8"smooth face conveyor belting that makes great way covers. The rear (behind the table) is just drapped from a cord around the turret and fastened to the back of the saddle. The trough formed catches all that falls there and I just sweep it into the trash can in one stroke. I could put a piece on the front, but that area is not nearly a problem. RichD, Atlanta

Indeed. Thats exactly what I use on all of my mills. White, smooth faced conveyor belting. And Ive given a shitload of it away to others who come over to the homestead.

Gunner

"Deep in her heart, every moslem woman yearns to show us her t*ts" John Griffin

My dirt driveway is covered with 4' x 3/4" conveyor belting from a closed cement plant. I can roll it up if I move.

Or a piece of treadmill belt.

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