hello, first lathe-when to buy.

Richard, Give me a call on 01305 854072, I may possibly have just the thing...having just upgraded to a Myford

Martin

Richard, if you only want to make fastenings there is no conversion needed! Even a "metric" Myford actually has an imperial leadscrew, 8 tpi. The gear tables include instructions for approximating metric thread pitches to easily close enough to fit matching standard metric nuts using the standard leadscrew. There are several threads on this forum that cover this. It is only if you want to make long threads for leadscrews and so on that the error is significant. If you really want to make the conversion you would need a 127 tooth gear which can be fitted in the train to cut exact metric threads, but it's a faff and not worth the trouble by and large.

as well as Myford you could consider Boxfords which are easily of similar quality but as they were never such a popular amateur machine may be cheaper.

You can find Boxfords much cheaper than Myfords, and they are a better lathe in EVERY aspect.

I'll second the Boxford over the Myford any day.

Ian S C

You may very well be correct. Apart from the price, can you explain why a Boxford (which model?) is better than a Myford Super 7 in every respect.

Cheers,

Rod

Myford Super 7 vs Boxford model A (or even better the VSL);

# Bigger headstock bore, MT 3, bigger spindle thread.

# V ways.

# Bigger, heavier and more heavy duty in every aspect.

# Motor in the cabinet, not behind the headstock, so very 40's.

# Virtually every one sold comes on a cabinet.

# Better saddle, apron, cross slide and top slide.

# You are paying just for a lathe, not a name and a lathe.

# I could go on but...

Regards,

Mike,

NE Thailand.

Well, the Myford can swing an extra inch in the gap, has a longer cross slide with more Tee slots and a higher top speed. The underdrive models are considerabley heavier than the Myford and cannot be bench mounted if so required. The extensive range of Myford accessories are readily available both second hand and (mostly) new.

The point being, I think, that neither is better than the other - or indeed any other lathe: new or second hand. It all depends on what you want to do with your lathe, where you are going to put it and how much you are prepared to pay. All these things need to be taken into consideration to determine which is the best lathe for YOU.

Cheers,

Rod

morning all.

After having had a bit of a think, and taken a look on ebay, I'm now thinking that a Boxford could be the best solution. Not as pricey as a Myford, metric and bigger and more solid than a mini lathe.

what do people think?

Edited By richard haigh on 11/11/2014 09:35:57

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Richard,

I came to exactly the same conclusion ... but then ended-up buying a Myford.

The deciding factor for me was a Myford with no stand, which allowed me to put it on a compact bench in my small workshop.

If you have the space: Boxford is an excellent choice.

MichaelG.

Cheers Michael,

I've got a double length garage which widens out to 12' in the back half. So space won't be a problem once I finally get all the crap shifted.

Maybe having a full size lathe hulking in the middle of the garage will focus the mind...

After seeing the mini lathes in the flesh at Harrogate, I rapidly came round to the idea of the larger £880 SP2124 550 from SPG tools or the similar bed and carrige, Warco 250, or Chester DB10 they all seem to vary a bit on the rest of the spec from motor to controller, this and that, mainly the Warco and Chester come with more accessories as standard hence the price (only useful if you need those bits I guess)

I settled on a used Myford as it came up at the right price (£500 in need of restoration - it was actually perfectly serviceable although the paint was flaking off all over, understandable after 61 years. It had no accessories, so I then set aside another £300-£500 and have been picking up or looking out for chucks, faceplates, catch plate, fixed and travelling steadies, centres, drills, change wheels, bobbins, widgets and noggins...... etc

I would say I've still got a bargain, but keep the bigger picture in mind, I treat myself to a quick change tool post and a comprehensive set of holders from A&R Precision so that took another £200+ out of my pocket, but is a an absolute joy to use. I know I've bought a few bits I don't need, but as I'm a beginner, I'm just buying to learn and I'm really enjoying my shiny new toys, even if I only look at a lot of it for now

Edited By Russ B on 11/11/2014 11:09:30

Boxfords are nice, especially the later versions. The only potential problem is that they are a small workshop machine so may have been worked hard. Check the machine for excessive wear before parting with any money.