Myford ML7R

[OssieParticipant @ossie]

Hello All

Yesterday I purchased a Myford ML7R lathe as per my photos, it has been refurbished by the previous owner and came with a lot of Myford accessories.

I hope some will be able to answer a few questions.

1 what size lathe tools do I need.

2 what extra gears do I need to cut metric threads

3 are all the threads on the lathe Whitworth as a few machine screws are missing

4 do I need some sort of arbour to fit a gear cutter between the chuck and the tail stock as I would like to try and cut a gear using the dividing head.

I have not had a lathe before and have been reading books on the net and you tube videos so my experience is a bit limited.

Hope someone can help many thanks in advance,

David Hoare.

[OssieParticipant @ossie]

Information needed please

[CHRIS WOODS 1Participant @chriswoods1]

That's an ML7 not an ML7R. Look on the lathesuk website for the full history and differences. You will also be able to check when it was manufactured by referencing the serial number which you should see on the lathe bed front. Looks like your example was much added-to by a previous owner who probably had some specific interests and uses for it.

Use any tools from 3/16" to 3/8" square. Start by using High Speed Steel and learn how to shape and sharpen them on a bench grinder. You could purchase these ready-made or use replaceable tip tools but try getting a grip on the basics first.

The threads would mostly have been BSF with a smattering of 2BA if the manual on my ML7R is anything to go by.

I wouldn't bother with trying to set up for metric screwcutting. I purchased additional changewheels for the ML7R and concluded setting them up was not worth the trouble.

I've never done any gear cutting on my lathe with any set up so perhaps someone else can advise you on that.

[Chris TriceParticipant @christrice43267]

I don’t know how much you paid but you’ve got a full collection of accessories to go with it including a Griptru chuck which is worth about 250 quid on its own. Assuming the lathe is in good condition, you’ve got most of the things you’re likely to need. Cutting metric is no more difficult than any other thread but you must keep the spindle/changewheels and saddle constantly engaged through the process or you’ll lose synchronicity.

Edited By Chris Trice on 28/05/2013 16:16:25

[OssieParticipant @ossie]

I am a bit confused now, with the spare gears that it came with I could not fit the fine tumbler gear which has both 12 and 25 teeth on it.

In my book it says that gear is for the ML7 only.

The other fine feed gear that is fitted is a 12 and 30 teeth which fits perfectly is supposed to be for the Super 7 and the ML7R so I am well confused.

I paid £1000 last week and it came with 4 chucks backing plates clamps etc.

[OssieParticipant @ossie]

Oh sorry thanks Chris and Chris for the replies

[OssieParticipant @ossie]

Looks like I got an ML7 shows what I know

[KWILParticipant @kwil]

Don't knock it, we all had to start somewhere and many still use a ML7 and produce good work. Take it slowly and learn. If in doubt, you can ask on here and most will give good advise.

[OssieParticipant @ossie]

I don't mind it not being the R model I was only looking for the Myford make as my friend has a small Myford ( not sure what model ) which looks so tatty but when it starts it runs like a Swiss Watch.

The ML7 I spotted on EBay looked like it had been refurbished and came with a mountain of extras so I am going to get it checked over and serviced by the Myford guys that do the servicin and start to learn how to make things.

The attraction for me is to not just end up with something I have made but to learn how to screw cut and make gears using the dividing head etc. I like to learn new skills.

That said does anyone know what size cutter I would need to replicate one of my Myford gears as this could be a good comparison when finished and I could try it in my Lathe..

Thats all for now as I am on holiday for the next few weeks

Dave.

[HopperParticipant @hopper]

R or no R, it looks like you did well on the deal either way, with all those multiple vertical slides, steadies, extra carriage etc.

A hand full of HSS toolbits and a six inch bench grinder and you will be away. I like to use the 1/4 toolbits because they are quicker and easier to grind up, and I use the 3/8 for heavy work only.

Get yourself a copy of LH Sparey's "The Amateurs Lathe" and "How to Run a Lathe" by Southbend Lathe Co and you will have enough info keep you busy the first year or three.

[Russell EberhardtParticipant @russelleberhardt48058]

Posted by Hopper on 29/05/2013 11:43:34:Get yourself a copy of LH Sparey's "The Amateurs Lathe" and "How to Run a Lathe" by Southbend Lathe Co and you will have enough info keep you busy the first year or three.

Perhaps easier to find: "Lathework – A Complete Course" by Harold Hall.

Russell.

[Steamer1915Participant @steamer1915]

The change gears on an ML7 are 20DP with a 14.5 degree pressure angle. You will need to know how many teeth you are cutting to decide which number cutter to use. There are 8 cutters in a set.

Steve.

[OssieParticipant @ossie]

I think something quite small to start with maybe 21 teeth as I just ordered two of these do you know the best place to buy the cutter from Steve.

thanks for the advice

Dave.

[Steamer1915Participant @steamer1915]

Dave, Have a look at this link.

**LINK**

This also shows you which cutter to buy for the number of teeth you require.

I would recommend Ivan Law's book on gear cutting to beginners and experienced people alike.

Steve.

[OssieParticipant @ossie]

I ordered the book on gear cutting and also have about 6 other books of the same series, I have ordered the gear to cat a 20 tooth myford gear so when I return from my holiday I will have a go.

Thanks for all the positive messages

Dave.

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