Power Drawbar

Discussion on all milling machines vertical & horizontal, including but not limited to Bridgeports, Hardinge, South Bend, Clausing, Van Norman, including imports.

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Bill Shields
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Re: Power Drawbar

Post by Bill Shields »

You are going to have to build a frame to support it.

Most Bridgeport's type mills have the belt system between two bearings...and there is a frame around and above the pulleys onto which this type of unit can be mounted.

Most mill drills have the belts as the upper most part of the machine with no frame above the pulley to which you can mount a power drawbar.

Yes...it can be done but is going to be a lot of work
Too many things going on to bother listing them.
c7z06
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Joined: Tue Dec 08, 2020 1:16 pm

Re: Power Drawbar

Post by c7z06 »

I use a right angle impact driver along with a right angle drill adaptor with a 3/4" socket. It was cheap and works, plus you can use the impact driver for other work, as needed. The trigger is up against the mill head, so a slight pressure activates it You can hold the driver near its bottom.
Cheap power drawbar.JPG
Holder.JPG
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NP317
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Location: Northern Oregon, USA

Re: Power Drawbar

Post by NP317 »

THAT's a creative solution!

I've found several inexpensive power drawbar devices online.
But decided it is good rehab exercise for my rebuilt shoulder to manually do the job.
RussN
Fasturn
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Joined: Thu Sep 15, 2022 8:04 pm

Re: Power Drawbar

Post by Fasturn »

I have owned my share of BP mills but the Tree mill with the snap change was superior. For a home shop I have a spin handle to load and unload the collet. Speeds things up but if your trying to make money, the power drawbar is a must. Like the other post said " lot a sugar for a dime " if only a hobby shop.
Odyknuck
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Re: Power Drawbar

Post by Odyknuck »

When I first bought my Mill 25 years or so ago, I also purchased an air butterfly kit similar to the OPs. It worked great for many years until one of the slider posts broke off. It was made of engineered plastic, tough however still weak for the intended purchase. I never fixed it or bought another. I actually removed the bracket last week as I was working on the mill anyways.
Odyknuck
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Re: Power Drawbar

Post by Odyknuck »

Out of curiosity I looked on Ebay to see what is available today. The lower cost unit I saw was made out of steel and aluminum, a much needed improvement.
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