Myford S7 position

[RichardNParticipant @richardn]

Quick question- wondered if anyone knows the minimum distance between spindle centre and the wall behind the lathe (Myford 7 series), while still having enough clearance to open the primary belt drive cover. Manual suggests 13.5”, but not sure if this allows the cover to swing open… unless maximum crossslide travel (long cross slide on S7b I believe?) is the limiting point?

My lathe is in storage while my workshop is gradually being built- and wanted to check the dimension so I can position the door opening to allow for long stock to run through the headstock and into the world outside when necessary…

Edited By RichardN on 01/05/2019 21:38:14

[RichardNParticipant @richardn]

Spindle to wall distance

[brickyParticipant @bricky]

Hi Richard,

The cover and the cross slide have no bearing on the distance requested it is the motor that dictates that.Mine is tight with 1/2" clearance at 13"1/4" measured off the back of the bed,so the figure you have from the manual is correct.

Regards Frank

[V8EngParticipant @v8eng]

I do not know the relative size of your workshop to lathe but from personal experience I would advise strongly against placing at minimum distances. You will regret not having good access to the motor etc without having to move the whole lathe if something goes wrong.

However as always ‘needs must dictate’.

[RichardNParticipant @richardn]

Thanks Frank- I thought the motor was tucked below the cover, but thanks for the confirmation- really useful.

V8- minimum distances I agree entirely- I had hoped I could squeeze an 8’x20’ container in the gap at the side of our new house- turns out I can’t… but have half built a 7’9” x 24’ timber workshop instead… the property boundary is the dictating aspect- but having modelled everything (currently) owned to fit into workshop, and planned space as carefully as I can (with clearances and buggerance factor) I should still have full access to the lathe with long through spindle access (via an open door when needs must) and if I move a cabinet should just about have space to get the the motor… hopefully…

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

Good man!

Making allowance for access to the back of the machine, and the ability to have long work hanging out of the back of the Headstock. Because of lack of space, a contortionist would have difficulty getting at the motor on my lathe (not a S7 )

A few inches extra space will make a world of difference.

Howard

[Philip BurleyParticipant @philipburley44197]

Just taken the motor off my S7 , i agree , it's a nightmare job if you cant get round the back . When refitting it , is it easier to take the the mounting plate off and fir the motor to if rather than trying to fit the bolts in while holding up the motor etc . I need 3 foot long very flexable arms . or move the lathe forward off the riser blocks , which i dont want to do !! has any one any tips for refitting . Motor burned out so going high tech Newton Tessa Squander the kids inheritance

Phil

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

Could you put a block under the motor platform, to hold it up while you slide the motor into position? (Preferably high enough to ensure that the platform is horizontal )

In that way, as the motor slides onto the platform, you no longer have to bear the weight, making it a bit easier to move around to fit the bolts into place. (Bolts fitted from the top may be easier )? Once one bolt is jn place, moving the motor to align the other holes should be easier

Howard

[DurhambuilderParticipant @durhambuilder]

Given that the largest dia you can pass through the headstock will be less than an inch you could just drill a hole in the workshop wall to line up with the headstock and stick a cork in it when not in use!

[RichardNParticipant @richardn]

Hole and bung was the first plan… that migrated into an insulated flap with deadbolt for security and integrating a fixed steady… then I realised the hole would likely be within a few inches of the door frame… moving the door seems the tidier (but more radical) option?

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