Denford Box-Ford lathe

[Stephen SpindlerParticipant @stephenspindler87715]

Any folks on here have one of these little machines? A friend of mine has picked one up and is after more information, weak points, issues to consider during refurb, and yes have looked on Lathes.co and there is a good photo collection but not much else. Web searches have revealed very little so any information will be appreciated.

[Stephen SpindlerParticipant @stephenspindler87715]

[not done it yetParticipant @notdoneityet]

There are 11 pages of Boxford threads and on to the second page for Denford threads. Is there nothing there to help him?

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

Denford or Boxford?

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

Oh, I didn't realise that Boxford was a Denford brand!

[SillyOldDufferModerator @sillyoldduffer]

Can you manage a photo Stephen? Instructions here.

I think of Denford and Boxford as separate companies, but I see lathes.co.uk identifies Denford as the parent. Which particular lathe does your friend have?

In general Denford and Boxford lathes have solid reputations. In the heyday of manual machines their offerings were too expensive for all but the richest amateur; now they are available as second-hand bargains.

But buying second-hand condition is everything. Could be the lathe was worn out on a production line, left outside in the rain for 20 years, and all the accessories are missing. At the other extreme it's in brand-new condition. (Friend of mine did a spell as Technician in a Girls' School, where his pristine private workshop contained a Denford CNC lathe. To his knowledge it had never been used, condition perfect and complete. Talk of selling it but he retired first.)

Dave

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

Boxfords do not have weak points

But note that the screw in the middle of the star wheel on the apron is reverse thread. Best to know before you break it.

[Rod RenshawParticipant @rodrenshaw28584]

There is a short article, with photo and specifications etc , on the introduction of the Box–Ford 3 Inch lathe.This is much smaller than the usual range of Boxford lathes, in ME, Vol 96, Issue 2383, page 67.

Rod

[Stephen SpindlerParticipant @stephenspindler87715]

Thanks for all your replies. The machine is the 3.3" x 9.25" and most likely pretty worn but almost a give away so worth a punt. This one has the rear bearing sleeved because the casting was cracked and we guess the front bearing has a bit of wear as well but haven't yet measured the float. Lathes.co do have an appraisal of the machine but I guess we're looking for actual experiences of running one and how others have dealt with the issues attached to 60 odds years of potential abuse.

[SillyOldDufferModerator @sillyoldduffer]

If you haven't seen it already have a read of this thread: Colchester Student Mk 1 Won't Start

In it Richard Kirkham and friends are doing up Richard's Colchester, an ongoing task. What he describes will give you a fair background in lathe faults and how to fix them. More work than I would want to take on, but he's doing a cracking job bringing the old girl back to specification. Almost a hobby in itself.

Does your lathe cut metal at all? It's surprising how bad machines can be and still do a good job when the operator drives them sympathetically. Some faults are show-stoppers, but many others can be lived with or fixed.

Dave

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