Hi from Finland.
I'm bidding on an ML7 lathe (first lathe if I win) and it's in rough shape. I've been researching up on ML7 lathes and recently encountered a worrying fact, there are no more white metal bearings and the bronze ones need a new spindle, and now I found out they too aren't even sold separately.
So even if the bearings are worn and need replacement (or I want higher speed) that's £300+. And then I am thinking, what if the phosphor bronze bushings might need replacements for those, yet another new spindle?
So I am wondering before even getting the lathe how to address this potential issue in a way that saves me money. What can I do? Assuming the bearings are fine and there is no play, could I use the myford to make another myford spindle?
Don't see why not but I have never used a lathe before so I'm asking the stupid questions to be sure.
Alternatively, could the headstock be retrofitted with ball bearings? Has anyone done so? I tried searching and people have asked, but none have done it that I know. Someone said bearings of that quality would be expensive, but £300 expensive?
This might all be for naught, might not win this lathe but if I get it for the lowball offer I made I can't say no to a lathe.