Well that is a bit of a quandry……

I'm pretty sure the Myford brigade will surely extol the virtues of owning such a brand machine, cant comment on the mill offering….

My own armoury comprises a WM290V equivalent accompanied by a VMC mill ( well Chester's 626…), so my opinions are somewhat biassed….

However the main limitation of the lathe is the diameter of stock that will fit through the spindle, so unless you go for the Warco offering, you will be limited to the internal bore of the Myford….While between centres doesnt usually present any major issues…

I started out with a typical 9 x 20 lathe and soon outgrew its limitations…..

Pay your money take your choice….

Edited By John Rudd on 17/06/2018 09:57:10

Hello David,

I would be inclined to take the offer you have, he may well have other useful tackle to go with it after much of a lifetime gathering it together that you would not get buying from Warco. The real advantage is that you know the man, it will be a genuine offer and you have been able to see and assess it.

The spindle bore of 16 mm maximum might be a limitation you learn to get around, there are ways!

My views for what they are worth as an owner of a good Myford ML7B

Brian

Lambton and Mechman

I didn't see a gearbox being mentioned in the description of the lathe, a quick change toolpost is included.

I don't believe those lathes came with a screwcutting gearbox as a standard fitment, it was an extra either factory fitted or by the owner.

Regards Brian

Grab it. Buy it. The whole deal. Before someone else does…

Yes, grab it (the Myford etc) while you can. And get all the tooling and equipment along with it that you can — that is where the real money adds up when you are starting a workshop from scratch, especially the accessories etc for the milling machine such as rotary table, dividing head, vice, cutters, collets etc etc.

And don't let spindle bore diameter even be a factor. You rarely need it bigger than the Myford's, and if you do it's not a problem, simply use a fixed steady and stick the job out like this;

Edited By Hopper on 17/06/2018 10:57:43

Hi David, as a very satisfied Myford owner that would be my choice. One other aspect no one else has mentioned, the person with the lathe and mill for sale would, I imagine, be happy to look in to help you out if you are a bit stuck on a detail of whatever is being worked on at that particular time. Let’s assume you go the all new route, would he be likely to be along to help ? Sometimes a little thought on the personal angle is worthwhile,at least I think so. Your decision mate !

David

My Myford built a 3.1/2" gauge Juliet; a 5" gauge Ajax; and a 7.1/4" gauge William.

Axles turned using fixed steady or between centres.

Beautiful machines and made in England to a very acceptable standard.

Grab all the bits and pieces you can, and, because you will have all his tools, hopefully the previous owner will impart much of his experience and knowledge. That you cannot buy.

You lucky beggar.

All the best.

Richard 2.

I did this 30 years ago. Never regretted a minute of it. Still have a few "accessories" I have not fully explored. The Myford is always the go to machine despite a larger CNC next to it. No brainer!!!

Yes I agree Eric. If he doesn’t like either of the pieces of kit after using it for a while I’m sure he’ll have no bother moving it on.