Ml7 cross slide lead screw needed

[Compulsive purchaserParticipant @compulsivepurchaser]

[Compulsive purchaserParticipant @compulsivepurchaser]

I’m trying to sort out an old ML7 – the cross slide lead screw has been damaged many years ago. They aren’t listed on myford (rdg)’s website, any ideas on where I might pick one up? Are there any dealers who dismantle machines?

I also need one of the black plastic bushes that fit on the countershaft and allow the alloy cover section to slide on the countershaft housing.

Thanks.

[Grindstone CowboyParticipant @grindstonecowboy]

There's usually some listed on Ebay, but may be as bad as the one you're replacing.

The bushes are easy to make (if the lathe is running) from some nylon or Delrin.

Rob

[Richard S2Participant @richards2]

I replaced both feedscrews (didn't need to) on my 1949 ML7 back in 86. I've kept the originals, as they looked very clean. I don't have the feed nut though.

Send me a PM with your email and I will send you some images to verify the condition for you.

Can't help with the other bit, my lathe never had them.

Regards.

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

Would have thought that RDG (Myford ) would be able to supply a replacement.

They may not necessarily be listed for the ML7, but most probably the same Leadscrew will be used on later models.

Bit of a Catch 22, but you could make a replacement.

10 tpi, left hand thread, if Imperial..

Remove the original, measure everythiing, replace and make.

Again, the horrid Mazak "nut" should be available, since they tend to wear much more rapidly that the steel Leadscrew.

Howard

[Swarf, Mostly!Participant @swarfmostly]

Posted by Howard Lewis on 23/05/2021 10:03:27:

SNIP

Again, the horrid Mazak "nut" should be available, since they tend to wear much more rapidly that the steel Leadscrew.

Howard

Hi there, Howard,

I thought that was the idea?

Best regards,

Swarf, Mostly!

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

Probably didn't make myself clear.

The parts may not be listed anymore as spares for the ML7, but might appear as parts for Super 7, or some later version of the 7 Series.

Last resort has to be to get the lathe running, and then make replacements, although there ought to be used items available from dealers who specialise in Myford parts.

Taps are available to cut the thread in shop made replacement a nut (See Tracy Tools )

Howard.

[Compulsive purchaserParticipant @compulsivepurchaser]

Thanks for replies- I have looked on RDG website and they don’t have them listed.

Unusually, mine isn’t worn, it has snapped! Something was knocked off a shelf above the ML7 and landed on the crossslide handle, which snapped clean off taking with it the last 1/2” of the feed screw, and shattering the Mazak nut in the process! I have a replacement Mazak but haven’t yet located a replacement feed screw.

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

RDG bought the Myford brand.

The exploded parts diagram shows the Cross Slide Leadscew as item 25.

But do not list it as a spare part

None seem to be available as secondhand part.

So if no used replacement can be found, you need to find a means of bodging the original back together, so that a replacement can be made on the lathe.

If the screw is a clean break it may be possible to drill and tap the larger part, drill through the outer part and clamp things back together again, as a temporary expedient of a limited amount of machining needed to make the replacement.

Again, as a purely temporary fix, can the parts be welded or brazed together, just to get the lathe operable again, for this rather important machining job. Even if there is slight bending, it only needs to be operable for this one job

If too badly bent to reinstall, some straightening (vice and mallet? ) may make things good enough for the immediate task.

Where needs must, as they seem to do here, the devil will drive you.

Perhaps you can find someone near you who is prepared to make one, either to drawing, or to pattern.

The new Mazak nut could be used as a gauge when cutting the thread.

Are you a member of a local Model Engineering Club, where there might be a member prepared to help?

If you say what town you are in, someone on here may be willing to help[

Howard.

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