Bridgeport Spindle Nose Cap and Vertical Spindle Play

Has your mill started burning through tooling faster than it used to?
There is a lot of conflicting information about properly installing the Spindle Nose Cap on a Bridgeport. In this video, we will discuss the purpose of the Spindle Nose Cap in the quill assembly and go through replacing an upper spindle bearing that showed signs of damage.
At the end of the video, we will install the spindle nose cap correctly using a feeler gauge and a spanner wrench.
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Describing the spindle assembly
2:55 - Begin repairs by removing the upper bearing
4:10 - Installing new bearing
6:24 - Installing Spindle Assembly in Quill Housing
9:33 - Installing Spindle Nose Cap

[@RustyInventions-wz6ir]

Just found your channel and Subscribed. Very nice work

[@manmachinemake3708]

The reference to align the indent in the book is for original bearings as set at the factory. Once replaced, that indent is no longer relevant and a new one should be made after preload is set. (Told to me by a large B.P. rebuilder)
My spindle nut was completely tight and the spindle still had ~.035 of vertical play before and after full rebuild. All the B.P. places were stumped as to why considering it was O.G. everything and all in great condition. We measured 100 times, replaced the spacer packs, new nut etc. Didn't want to cut the nut cause of seal interference (Fyi, the rings under the spindle cap nut are called a "Labrynth seal" and are to keep junk out without contact.
Last resort was to put a wave washer in place then preload by feel. It's been that way for a few years now and tho i don't do daily or heavy work on it, the machine still holds tolerance to .0004-6 depending on my attitude that day.
It's good enough for the girls I go out with !

[@kevinzucco8358]

Informative video thanks for sharing.

[@absolute___zero]

wow! the arbor press is the machine I need! too bad you didn´t take the shot of it in full size