Myford Serial Number Question

[Chuck TaperParticipant @chucktaper]

I'm putting this question here because I can't figure where else would be appropriate.

In a nutshell the question is what does the M suffix stand for in the serial numbering of Myford lathes.

I just landed an ML7 with Trileva & Screw cutting gearbox. Serial number indicates early 1971. The serial no. also has an M suffix (K99424M just for completeness). There are a few threads here and some stuff on lathes.co.uk but the mysterious M does is not addressed. (I suppose I could have missed it)

I just noticed today that the tailstock is engraved with a metric scale rather than an imperial scale. Could the M imply metric? Was there a metric version of the ML7?

Any and all intel would be greatly appreciate.

Regards

Frank C.

[Chuck TaperParticipant @chucktaper]

[Mike PooleParticipant @mikepoole82104]

The metric versions of the 7 series had metric feedscrews and tailstock barrel but the leadscrew was always 8tpi, the Ml10 had a metric leadscrew on the metric version.

Mike

[SteviegtrParticipant @steviegtr]

Yes i believe Mike is correct. The M is for Metric.

Steve.

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