Member postings for Big H

Thanks for your advice guys - Think I'll buy some aftermarket ones.

Apologies if this is a repeat thread,

Does anyone have any up to date experience of ML7 compatible Quick Change or 4-way indexable toolholders? There are older posts slating the imported types, but I've also read that the quality of Chinese goods has improved lately.

I'm a big believer in buying the best tools I can afford, but with 3 kids, I can't spend money unecessarily.

Should I dare to buy Chinese? or is it genuine Myford all the way?

Opinions gratefuly received

Having just bought an ML7, although it's in fantastic condition, before I use it, I want to give it a good fettling so to speak.

The drip feed oilers concern me; neither have springs in them and the toggle is missing on one. Can anyone give me an exploded diagram or parts list please in order to get the missing bits fitted? The previous owner, before suffering from age related illness, took meticulous care of the lathe but towards the end, removed the springs, according to his son.

Can you get spares or do I need to renew them both? An explanation on how they work or any help and advice would be appreciated please.

Many thanks

Well, after far too much thinking about it, I've managed to procure a Myford ML7 from Ebay - picking it up on Friday. Seems to be a good'un and comes with loads of extras, so fingers crossed that it all works.

Might convert it to metric though, as being a child of the eighties, I'm all mills and litres. Imperial conversions are all very well, but if it's a hobby, I might as well make things simple(ish).

Thanks for your help so far guys....

Thanks for all your comments and advice, I'll do some more research and window shopping.....

Thanks Gary

As I don't know enough (yet) about lathes to restore or repair a used one, a new model looks favourite, albeit restricted to the size of work it can accomodate. I may opt for a good quality new one (but on the small side), with a view to up-sizing, maybe a s/h one in time...

Does anyone have any recommendations for Super C6 variants and when/where to buy one?

I know that Chinese kit isn't always up to scratch, but they're catching the Japanese quickly wrt. quality and reliability - in some but not all respects! You get what you pay for, but there can be bargains out there....

Hi

I'm starting out as a model engineer and need to know the best kit to buy. As a former electronics technician (and car mechanic before that) I have plenty of hand tools and some measuring kit, but need advice on which lathe and possibly milling machine to buy. Certainly in the first couple of years, I'll be concentrating on learning the trade (I've been an office based engineer for 14 years now so need to 'get my eye in' again). I intend making small, live steam engines and workshop tools etc. so won't need huge machines - although I appreciate that you can turn small work on a big lathe.

As an initial start-up investment of £1000, should I concentrate on just getting the best lathe setup I can? (plus he few bits and bobs like chucks, cutting tools and steadies etc. and wait until I've saved up for an additional lathe as it becomes necessary?

I would prefer a new machine unless I really know the history of second hand kit. Reading forums, most sub £800 lathes are from the Seig factory and these have mixed reviews - however, just because they're made in China, doesn't necessarily mean they're junk (might not be bargains either!)

When is the best time to buy? What discount can I realistically expect purchasing from a show? I'm in no particular rush to buy and can wait till after Christmas if that's when the best bargains are to be had.Buying s/h from the larger tool companies is also something I'd consider..

Any help would be much appreciated