Phil,

Your left hand 3 position lever is to engage drive through the gear train to the leadscrew – that long screw along the front of the lathe – which provides drive to the lathe saddle via the half-nuts, which are operated by a lever on the left end of the apron. Three positions are forward, neutral, reverse.

The right hand lever engages/ disengages the backgear to provide lower speeds, but the bull wheel – the big gearwheel at the right end of the headstock when you open the cover – MUST be disengaged before engaging the backgear. There is a socket cap screw on the front side which when loosened can be moved upwards to disengage a segment of the gear. Operate the backgear without disengaging this and you will cause great buggeration!

Would suggest you buy an operating handbook, usually some on ebay. Or Ian Bradley's book The Myford ML7 Lathe Manual, available everywhere.

Phil

Here is a good explanation of ML7 backgear operation: swarfer.co.za/lathe/backgear

And a pdf manual Myford ML7

Paul

Phil,

The size key you need is 5/32", Imperial of course. You will need to grind most of the short leg of it off, leaving about 1/8" before the bend – just enough to fit into the depth of the socket head.

If you only want to use the higher speed range, leave the wedge connected and change the belt position on the pulleys to change speed. Your right hand lever on the headstock MUST be in the lower position when the wedge is connected.

Phil (another one)