Myford serial numbers and dating for the ML1, ML2, ML3, & ML4

[Jon CameronParticipant @joncameron26580]

I've pondered this before, but since there isn't any serial number history of the older myford lathes. ML1, ML2, ML3, & ML4, has anyone put together a list of serial numbers?
I'd be happy to take the lead on recording this info if those with a lathe above could provide their serial number, and possibly a photo of the lathe too. If you know a date of your lathe please provide that also. Ie my grandfather/dad bought it new 19##.
Usually stamped on the front of the bed under the chuck. But can also be found under saddle, and tailstock. Ps I'll be posting this around a few places to gather the info so apologies if you see it more than once.

[Jon CameronParticipant @joncameron26580]

[GeorgineerParticipant @georgineer]

A nice idea, Jon, and I wish I could help. As far as I know Myford didn't number the early ML1234 lathes (my ML4 certainly has no number) and I've never heard that they kept a record of the later, numbered ones. There are some distinctive changes which can give some guidance, but again I don't believe Myford kept any record of the dates.

I shall watch with interest!

George B.

[Jon CameronParticipant @joncameron26580]

Interesting, so is there no number under the saddle or tailstock either. A photo of yours with a brief description of tapers in the spindle, whether it has holes drilled for gaurds, tumble reverse, or even a raised section for the tumble reverse to mount to would be interesting to know. There is a whisper that some lathes were assembled after the war for those with the right contacts, yours may be one of these lathes if certain features are present on it. Which could explain the lack of numbers.

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

If you study Tony Griffiths, Latehes UK website, he details the changes that took place over the life of the ML 1,2 3 and 4. During their life, the 1 and 2 morphed into the 3 and 4 gaining centre height and with changing threads on the mandrel. I had dealings with an early ML4 with the early 7/8 BSW thread, but this was later changed to 7/8 x 12, and i believe that the last ones used what we now consider to be the Myford standard of 1 1/8 x 12 tpi.

It seems that the "even" numbers had longer centre distances than the "odd".

Tumbler reverse appeared to be an optional extra, so not all machines had this feature..

Howard

[Jon CameronParticipant @joncameron26580]

Hi Howard,

My ML4 has a 7/8" 9TPI thread whether this was original or a replacement from another lathe I'm not sure. I have read Tony's website and know what the changes are from my understanding though the four types were released together and then the optional extras, nose threads, developed over time, in response to customers wants and desires. The tailstock been the classic example. Where enough complaints were noted on the crudeness for the slide over tailstock for repeatability that myford offered the much improved version. But at a greater cost which was almost the same as the basic lathe with no upgrades.

[Devon GoldstoneParticipant @devongoldstone57283]

Hi, my Myford (believe it is an ML2) of uncertain heritage has a serial number. I was about to start stripping and rebuilding when I noticed. Looks like serial number 1212

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

It looks to be an interesting machine.

If it is a ML2, it will be 3.125" centre height. A ML4 would be 3.5"

The mandrel thread may give a clue as to its vintage, although with a machine of this age, after more than one owner, you can never be sure that it conforms to the original build list..

It looks to have have improvements over the early machines. The four way toolpost looks to be a later addition, as is probably the dial for the Cross Slide..

The covers for the gears are new to me, and unlike either of the two types shown on Lathes UK site.

Howard

[Nick Clarke 3Participant @nickclarke3]

Posted by Howard Lewis on 28/03/2020 18:29:48:

During their life, the 1 and 2 morphed into the 3 and 4 gaining centre height and with changing threads on the mandrel.

At one stage all four models were available at the same time as this Myford advertising material I linked to in a previous post shows. **LINK**

The ML1 and ML3 were standard models whilst the ML2 and ML4 were superior models with better bearings, tailstock and a long cross slide. Shades of ML7 and Super 7 perhaps?

[Devon GoldstoneParticipant @devongoldstone57283]

Centre height is 3.125".. its in bits at the moment though…. Trying to figure out how to fully strip

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