Source for drill bushings for Bridge City Tool Workds DJ-1?

[WillAdams]

Bought this from Jim Bode Tools, but missed that it didn't have a full set of bushings --- in particular, I'm wanting metric (it has a basic Imperial set) --- I'm thinking my best recourse is to finally break down and buy a metal-working lathe and some precision rod....

Until then though, I'd like at least a couple of metric (4--6mm) bushings to tide me over --- anyone have any suggestions for sources?

 

[Packard]

The Bridge City bushings appear to be universally out of stock.

I would try contacting these people, as they might offer an alternative. All they sell are drill bushings.

Drill Bushings Minneapolis | MN | Drill Bushings Warehouse

Drill Bushings Warehouse offers high-quality drill bushings in MN with quick quotes and expert support. We're located in Fridley, MN with nationwide shipping.

www.drill-bushings.com

 

[waho6o9]

McMaster-Carr perhaps?

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

 

[peter halle]

I too would like to have a set of the metric ones. I had contacted Bridge City and they didn't offer them but they mentioned that there was someone who was offering "legacy" items who might help. I have no recollection of who that is/was. I remember a mention somewhere that Montana Brand Tools might have been the ones that supplied them but I never followed up. If you should find a source, would you be so kind as to report back.

Peter

 

[Cheese]

I'm thinking my best recourse is to finally break down and buy a metal-working lathe and some precision rod....

Until then though, I'd like at least a couple of metric (4--6mm) bushings to tide me over --- anyone have any suggestions for sources?

I'd think twice about that option... You'll need to start with tool steel, which at some point needs to be hardened, the hole ID tolerance will be measured in .0001" increments which means precision reamers are a must along with plug gauges if you want to verify the results. Then, the OD tolerance will probably be measured in .0005" increments so precision OD grinding is also needed. And after that we need to move on to concentricity considerations. That's the start of a really slippery slope.

I'd just spend the necessary time researching drill bushing manufacturers & distributors...the Packard & waho6o9 suggestions are a good place to start. Also try Carr Lane, MSC or Reid, there's a bunch of these folks out there. I can guarantee you that Bridge City never manufactured their own drill bushings and that was for a good reason.

Here's a quick internet search:

Google Search

 

[Packard]

I'd think twice about that option... You'll need to start with tool steel, which at some point needs to be hardened, the hole ID tolerance will be measured in .0001" increments which means precision reamers are a must along with plug gauges if you want to verify the results. Then, the OD tolerance will probably be measured in .0005" increments so precision OD grinding is also needed. And after that we need to move on to concentricity considerations. That's the start of a really slippery slope.

I'd just spend the necessary time researching drill bushing manufacturers & distributors...the Packard & waho6o9 suggestions are a good place to start. Also try Carr Lane, MSC or Reid, there's a bunch of these folks out there. I can guarantee you that Bridge City never manufactured their own drill bushings and that was for a good reason.

Here's a quick internet search:

Google Search

I made that search for them. The link I supplied (post #2) was for a manufacturer who only produces drill bushings. They might have minimums, but they probably can refer buyers to one of their customers that caters to that market.

In any case, I suspect that making your own is not a viable option. What might be a viable option is to purchase a generic bushing and have a couple of adapters made to retrofit the generic bushings to the existing openings. (I don’t think a resin adapter will be sufficiently tough or that 3D printing would be sufficiently accurate for this application.)

If you are looking for direct replacements, then this from Google A.I.:

To find metric drill bushings for a Bridge City jig, you need headless press-fit (Type P) bushings with standard metric Outer Diameters (ODs), typically from suppliers like McMaster-Carr, Carr Lane, or Reid Supply, ensuring the ID matches your desired drill size, as these jigs use common industrial standards for accuracy, like those on their DJ-3 model. Measure the hole in your specific jig to get the correct OD (e.g., 10mm, 12mm), then choose your drill size (e.g., 5mm, 8mm), and order hardened steel bushings for durability.

 

[nclemmons]

Bought this from Jim Bode Tools, but missed that it didn't have a full set of bushings --- in particular, I'm wanting metric (it has a basic Imperial set) --- I'm thinking my best recourse is to finally break down and buy a metal-working lathe and some precision rod....

Until then though, I'd like at least a couple of metric (4--6mm) bushings to tide me over --- anyone have any suggestions for sources?

Reach out to Rutager West at rutagerwest1@gmail.com. He does repairs on BCTW tools and has spare items. Feel free to tell him Neil suggested you contact him.

 

[peter halle]

Thanks @nclemmons!

Peter

 

[Steve1]

McMaster-Carr perhaps?

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

The image in post #2 sure looks like a standard industrial drill bushing.
McMaster Carr call them "Removable", but the term "Slip Fit Renewable" is probably more common on other sites.
You would have to check the dimensions.

 

[peter halle]

The bushings are 3/4" diameter, 3/4" long, and have a 1/4 wide flat ground.

Peter