Clutch for ML7R

[Andrew TinsleyParticipant @andrewtinsley63637]

Hello,

I shall be getting a good ML7R in the near future . What is entailed in fitting a Super 7 style clutch. I assume that this can be done, as it was an optional extra from Myford.

I assume the biggest problem would be sourcing the clutch mechanism?

Andrew.

[Robert Atkinson 2Participant @robertatkinson2]

I my opinion you would be better off fitting a 3 phase motor and VFD rather than a clutch.
The main reason for the clutch on these lathes is that the single phase motors don’t like frequent stopping and starting. A 3 phase and VFD does not have that issue and brings other benefits. Variable speed, controlled ramp up and down and smoother running for a start.

Robert.

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

There are 2 types (at least) of clutch, one the brake shoe version and the later cone clutch. Then there is the VFD route as Robert has said but it depends how much you want to spend. If the early version needs new brake shoes they are very hard to find now.  Good luck.  Noel.

[Andrew TinsleyParticipant @andrewtinsley63637]

Hello Noel,

I think you are confusing the ML7 and ML7R. The ML7R never had a clutch with brake shoes.. That was fitted to the older ML7. The ML7R is in effect the Super 7, minus the clutch and has the ML7 saddle. The optional Myford clutch for the ML7R is exactly the same as that fitted to the Super 7 as standard

I have 3 phase in my workshop and will be fitting a 3 phase motor when it arrives. I simply prefer having a clutch to switching the motor on or off! I don’t really care if people think that is odd, each to his own.

So can anyone answer my original question?

Andrew.

[peak4Participant @peak4]

Andrew, head to my gallery from my profile. In the documents section there is an excerpt from the ML7-R manual as a pdf (part 4). It came off the old Yahoo group before its demise.
I’ve never done the job myself, as both my Super 7 and its clone from Warco already have a clutch.
The pdf does show two different parts diagrams/lists, Q & QR, one with a clutch and one without.
By comparing them, you should be able to work out what extras you need to buy, and what you might easily make.

Bill

[Nick HughesParticipant @nickhughes97026]

Just search for “myford super7 clutch assembly for sale” using your choice of search engine, and you will find quite a few for sale at around the £200-£300 mark.

[bernard towersParticipant @bernardtowers37738]

I believe the brake shoes are from an early Raleigh moped or similar. you only need the dia anyway and some araldite.

[Andrew TinsleyParticipant @andrewtinsley63637]

Hello Bernard,

The brake shoe style clutch is fitted to the early ML7, not the ML7R. The ML7R has the cone clutch as fitted as standard to the Super 7.

Thanks Bill and Nick for answering my query, the pdf that Bill refers to is just what I needed. Nick I will keep an eye open on Ebay.

As an aside,

I was shown how to use an ML7 over 60 years ago, by an excellent machinist that made experimental kit for the university physics dept, where I studied. That machine was 3 phase and had a clutch. I definitely preferred using the clutch as opposed to switching the machine on and off. Interestingly, so did the professional machinist. The beauty of model engineering is that you can do exactly what you want, so if I want a clutch then I shall endeavour to fit one.

Andrew.

[peak4Participant @peak4]

My GH1330 is clutchless, and I do miss having one, though I’ve had very little formal training, barring school metalwork & Uni.
The Super7 changeweel model, which I don’t use often now and should really sell, clearly has one and is single phase.
My Warco 720 (Super7B clone) has a clutch, though not quite as well made as the genuine one, but to the same basic design.
That has a Newton Tesla 750W setup, but I still use the clutch most of the time; the variable speed is much better than the single phase S7 for facing.

Bill

[Dave WoottonParticipant @davewootton]

Hi Andrew

I had a ML7R before my current S7B and fitted the clutch assembly from a Super 7 and it was a direct and easy replacement, just followed the diagram in the Myford manual. I did make a very simple spring compressor to enable fitting it safely, the clutch spring is quite strong. I bought the complete assembly from a chap on Ebay who usually now has a stand at the Midland show selling Myford parts I think his name is Keith Robinson, no connection but was very pleased with the condition and price. My current S7 came with VFD, but like you I still prefer to use the clutch particularly for repetition work.

Hope the little Kennedy saw is behaving itself!

Dave

I’ll have a look and see if the spring compressor survived the recent house move.

[Andrew TinsleyParticipant @andrewtinsley63637]

Hello Dave,

I have been meaning to contact you re the Kennedy Hexacut. I have given it a good going over and have fitted a polyvee belt drive as per Graham Meek’s design. an absolute revelation, much better than the original flat belt. Graham’s blade tensioner is also a must! If you do find the spring compressor, I would be grateful as I fully intend to install a clutch!

Bill and Dave, its good to know that I am not the only one who prefers a clutch as opposed to switching the motor on and off. I was beginning to think that I was in a minority of one! The range of speeds on the ML7R is more than enough for me. I shall not be fitting a VFD as I don’t really like them, despite all their so called advantages. A decent VFD plus the necessary filters and a good enclosure are the best part north of £400, the last time I checked. I have also had two quality European made VFDs self destruct over the last 10 years. I was very glad to retire the remaining VFDs when I had 3 phase installed.

Andrew.

Andrew.

[Dave WoottonParticipant @davewootton]

Hi Andrew

I think I’ll have to do the conversion on my saw as with all Graham’s designs both the tensioner and conversion look worthwhile.

By some miracle I’ve found the spring compressor, I’m not sure if you will need it if you buy an assembly, but as I can’t leave anything alone I stripped ,cleaned and lubricated the one I bought. If you are going to the Midland show I could leave it under the Nottingham SMEE stand with a label for you to pick up, or I’ll put it in the post, I think you have my email address but if not just PM me and we can sort something out. It’s not a work of great beauty or craftsmanship but does the job, hopefully picture attached if someone else needs to make one, I think the idea was stolen from the net, maybe from a post on here.

[Author]

Posts