Bridgeport re-power ????

It'll probably have old brushed servos. You can still buy them if the X axis needs replacing, but I don't know if it's worth trying to get them working or not. Maybe. Depends how much you want to play with tweaking driver PID loops for speed and stability, really.

You'll have to look up the error code for the control, presumably it's related to the X axis driver- sometimes it's as simple as "the driver alarm wire that tells me it's not errored is disconnected" though, worth poking in the wiring.

If you go with the easier option of steppers, it'll need at least NEMA 34s, probably 8Nm or 12Nm since it's oil ways, maybe even a NEMA 42 on Z, no chance of using the BlackBox- they're all 5A+. I'd use closed-loop steppers because they come with the drivers, you usually just have to supply 48-72VDC power (I actually have a 120VAC driver for my 12Nm stepper on Z). You wouldn't need 3ph to the control this way either, just the spindle.

There's a pretty high chance you'll have to change out the screws, whatever they are, maybe you'll get lucky but lash may still be an issue regardless.

With the travels available on a BP, I'd convert to linear rail and attempt to keep the servos (or switch to AC brushless servos) for high-speed VMC type operation. They're not so incredibly rigid that it'd be inherently worth keeping it on its ways (assuming they're actually in decent condition, which they may not be- "clapped-out Bridgeport" is an expression for a reason, though tends to refer more to earlier manual machines). Then I'd see if there's a spindle cartridge available for petal clamping (I'd guess probably) and switch to BT30 tool holders with an air cylinder.

I'd convert to LinuxCNC regardless, personally, old controls are usually more trouble than they're worth unless you can get support for it like maybe an older Haas control or something.

 

Sounds like a screaming deal to me. If you don't want more than basic 3-axis operation, no toolchanging, fairly low speeds, no backlash comp, wear comp, etc then you could probably use grbl just fine instead of LinuxCNC if you needed to change control. Should work ok with the existing servo drivers if you can make them all work with step/dir operation. If they're analog or serial or whatever only, that wouldn't be an option unless Mesa or someone makes a step/dir interface card. And steppers would be the easiest/fastest/cheapest upgrade method if you do need to dump them, you'd just lose some high-speed torque.

 

Rocky, you paid only $240 for that machine!!! If you take it to a recycling center you'll get more money for just the metal and that is after you took the 3hp motor off and sold it for some extra cash. Great find!