Metal Lathes

MachineInfoBox Myford ML7
Synonyms:	metalworking lathe, engine lathe, machinists' lathe; DE: "Drehbank", Zug- und Leitspindeldrehmaschine, "Drehe"
Used with:	tool bits
Access Requirements:	Metal Lathe Introduction
Tutors:	Pakue Johannes Luzian
Similar (More or Less):	wood lathe

We were generously given a Myford ML7 metalworking lathe.

It is currently being restored (see corresponding issue), more information will be added as work progresses!

Lubrication

There are various oil nipples (2 B.A. thread; Schmiernippel) all over the machine and two sight-feed lubricators (a.k.a. drip feed oilers) above the headstock spindle bearings.

The manufacturer's recommendation is "Esso Nuto 32" gear oil but we are using a more viscous "90" oil as that was available to us and two trusted sources ensured us it should work just fine.

Oil Nipples

According to the manufacturer's assembly diagrams, there should be 3 oil nipples on the carriage, 2 on the "motorizing" section, 1 on the tailstock, 2 on the headstock, 2 on the "bed, leadscrew and gear train" section and 1(+2) on the quick change gearbox for a total of 11 "2BA oil nipples 33/072" and 2 "Lumatic HDFV4/45" (if we have that quick change gearbox). However, a few of those (at least 3) are missing!

We are still in need of a grease gun (something like this, a.k.a. oil gun or Fettpresse) to lubricate through the oil nipples. If we buy replacement oil nipples with metric thread, the grease gun should fit those (and ideally still the original ones, although unlikely).

Sanding

You can use sandpaper to quickly finish the surface of a piece you've turned on the lathe. When doing this, place a shop rag on the lathe bed to prevent pieces of the abrasive from getting dragged into the mechanics where they might cause some damage!

Further Reading

• manufacturer's website (EN)
• Wikipedia
  • Leit- und Zugspindeldrehmaschine (DE)
  • metal lathe (EN)
• lathes.co.uk photo essay - including some nice upgrade ideas!