Backgear on ML7R Tri lever

This topic has 7 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 25 April 2013 at 12:45 by Richard Smithers 1.

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23 April 2013 at 17:47 #117630
Richard Smithers 1
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@richardsmithers1
I have just bougnt an ML7 R Tri lever with which I am very pleased; especially as I have fitted an inverter and 3-phase motor. I had no idea it would become so "controllable". It seems to be in very good condition and arrived with 3 and 4-jaw and tailstock chucks, together with a Myford Dickson toolpost with over a dozen tool holders of varying types. BUT I cannot find how to get at the backgear assembly to release the allen screw to release the spindle direct drive. The lever which should be raised to engage the back gear will not do so. It is not "solid" but will not move more that 1/16". Admittedly I can lower the speed with the new control but I should like to have back gear. So any help would be gratefully received. Other than that I am very pleased with it, espiecially as I totted up the cost of all the accessories including the gearbox and found that the lathe had cost me two hundred pounds only. One very happy model engineer.

Many thanks and best wishes to everyone.

Richard.
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23 April 2013 at 17:47 #6674
Richard Smithers 1
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@richardsmithers1
How do I get at the back gear screw?
24 April 2013 at 11:35 #117676
Richard Smithers 1
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@richardsmithers1
Problem solved. What a palaver to get into backgear on a Tri lever! But all working OK.

Richard.
24 April 2013 at 13:35 #117685
Ian S C
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@iansc
I case anyone else has the problem, how did you do it. Ian S C
24 April 2013 at 17:52 #117708
Richard Smithers 1
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@richardsmithers1
It turned out to be quite simple.

I first loosened the nut under the belt guard; then removed the nut on the stud holding the rear of the belt guard, loosened the locknut and then removed the stud.

It was easy to unscrew as I have a spanner for gripping round rods but I expect a pair of pliers would move it. A little wangling and the stud came out.

Then I removed the nut that I loosened on the stud under the cover and then lifted off the cover.

There in front of my eyes was the screw to loosen the direct drive and the back gear lever moved freely and the back gear worked fine with no broken teeth.

Now the reverse but which also included setting the tension of the belts.

I replaced the belt guard (obvious!) and the nut on the stud underneath, but DID NOT TIGHTEN.

I replaced the stud at the rear and put on the nut and washer.

I tightened this and kept checking the tension of the belt levers.

When this felt just right I locked the lock nut on the rear stud and then tightened the nut on the stud under the guard.

As I said before what a palaver to get into back gear; but as I now have in inverter and 3/4 h.p. 3-phase motor perhaps I can stay in direct drive.

Has anyone any experience or using an inverter on an ML7 or Tri lever? If so I would very much like to hear from you.

All the best

Richard.
24 April 2013 at 19:15 #117716
Cornish Jack
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@cornishjack
Richard

I have a TriLeva – also fitted with vfd and 3ph motor. I haven't felt that I needed backgear since the refit but I can't quite follow your sequence for setting it. On mine, the backgear selection is made via an allen screw accessed beneath a hinged rotating flap behind the chuck. I say 'accessed' but it's a real feat of dexterity … the space is such as to need a cut-off allen key and nimble fingers!! I can't, at the moment, envisage a requirement to go through that rigmarole again!

3 phase is magic!

Rgds

Bill
25 April 2013 at 09:35 #117757
RobC
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@robc77385
Richard,

My Tri-Leva is the same as Bill's – there is a hinged flap the enables access to the standard allen screw. Using a stubby allen key allows you to engage/disengage the back gear.

Once you get the hang of it, the process is pretty quick and easy.

It does sound like yours is missing this easy access device.

Rob
25 April 2013 at 12:45 #117777
Richard Smithers 1
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@richardsmithers1
bill and Rob

Have just had a look at my Tri lever only to discover the flap you mentioned. Truly I am too old to indulge with machine tools! I think I should retire and take up knitting – though that could be complicated according to my late other half. She was very capable at driving my 5" gauge Ajax and when the 7.1/4 was finished I barely got a look at the footplate.

Seriously – Yes it is a bit of a pain but it is accessible though, like Bill I do not think I shall need it now that we are 3-phased.

Many thanks to everyone and I have learned something I did not know about my new lathe.

Regards

Richard.
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