Metal Lathes
| MachineInfoBox Myford ML7 (Serial No. K51412) | |
|---|---|
| |
| 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. Based on the serial number, this beauty seems to be from the year 1962!
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 and 2 on the "bed, leadscrew and gear train" section for a total of 10 nipples. However, one of those (on the headstock, inside a belt pulley for whatever reason) is currently not installed as it is very difficult to reach.
You need a grease gun (a.k.a. oil gun or Fettpresse) to lubricate through the oil nipples. We bought replacement oil nipples with metric thread and installed them in all but two locations, and the grease gun fits those and (well enough, anyway) the original British ones.
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
- lathes.co.uk photo essay - including some nice upgrade ideas!
- another owner's rebuild protocol
