Introduction to Bridgeport Universal Milling Machine

Gregory Curci has employed himself as a Sculptor/Maker/Art Conservator for the last 40 years. With a BFA in Sculpture from UMass Amherst (where he studied making art) and 4-year Apprenticeship in Pattern Making (where he learned the art of precision), he established his own Boston area art studio in 1984. His creations are seen in Pico Taiwan, Monte Carlo, and places in between. As a Sculptor, he is known for his solar-powered kinetic sculptures, such as Amaryllis in Porter Square and SunBirds at Drumlin Farms Lincoln, MA. In the Art Conservation field, his knowledge of artist materials and techniques has brought significant artworks from Alexander Calder, Louise Nevelson, and many others to his studio for restoration. His maker abilities include making toys and prototypes of toys, medical machines, and electro-mechanical devices for trade shows. One of his ball drop machines was featured in the National Inventors Hall of Fame in Akron, Ohio. His studio and solar-powered sculptures were featured in an episode of the PBS show Curious George.

The Bridgeport is the Swiss army knife of cutting machines capable of cutting/shaping/drilling almost any material with the exception of maybe soft food and live animals. The universal “Bridgeport” milling machine is one of the two fundamental metal shaping machines. Learning how to use this safe and easy-to-use machine will expand your Maker capabilities. If you work large or small, this machine can expand your thinking and save you time.

This class includes tool testing on the Manual Mill Machine.

The materials fee for this class is $50. This is separate from the ticket price and is to reimburse the instructor for any tools or materials used in this class. This will be paid once, directly to the instructor at the start of the first class meeting. This instructor accepts cash only.

This class will cover the basics.

• Safety Workpiece holding using a vise and table hold downs;
• Choosing and inserting an end mill and a drill bit;
• Adjusting cutting speeds and feeds;
• Practice making controlled cuts (feed) in several types of materials;
• Drilling holes, milling holes, slots, and shapes;
• Basic positioning for hole drilling and some brief sketching/planning for parts

1/2 x 2 x 6 inch piece each of aluminum, acrylic, and steel. 1/4 inch carbide endmill.

Ability to count to ten, add and subtract, and turn a handle left and right. Good listening skills will ensure success.

Learn more about our class and ticket cancelation policies here.

Please email [email protected] with any questions.

*Sales end 24 hours before the start of the class to allow the instructor and staff time to prep.

Host or Publisher Artisans Asylum Inc