Ok this question is not for a Bridgeport exactly. However it is for a Prototrak bed mill that has a head (varible speed) just about like a Bridgeport series 1 mill. So I thought I might get some advice here.
With the machine off , when you turn the spindle by hand back and forth you fell some lost motion or "slop". I have measured it and come out to about .090. I have noticed this in other older Bridgeport's but not as bad .
However I have not noticed any finish problems in my work and the machine holds good tolerance. The only time is shows up is when you are running a fly cutter or doing interrupted cuts, it will be a little noisy.
Now my question , what is wore in the head and is it worth trying to fix ( cost wise). I talked with my local Prototrak distributer and all they said was they would have to send it off for repairer.
Thanks for any help !!