Myford late model gearbox

I have just bought an ML7 (1972) with a gearbox. From the seriel number the gearbox was fitted from new.

I am very much a beginner with lathes.

With the Tumbler in positions 1 and 3 and the gearbox lever in the central position, the leadscrew will rotate backwards and forwards. If I move the gearbox lever to one of the other two positions the leadscrew does not rotate.

I want to try and learn how to cut threads using the gearbox. How do I get the leadscrew to rotate when using the gearbox?

Thanks

Graham

Hi Graham,

Just popped out to the workshop to check on my ML7 Tri-Leva (1968 vintage) with gearbox and agree that if just trying to move the speed lever from the central position it does not always engage in either A or C.

I found the easiest way is to disconnect the drive and then turning the apron hand wheel whilst jiggling the great lever will result in the gears engaging smoothly and you can actually feel the gears going in, so I suspect that they may be straight cut.

Best regards,

Mike

Get yourself a Myford manual!

Have a look at this earlier thread **LINK**

Look at the second posting (from me) and follow the link.

Graham and Mike,

The Myford gearbox does indeed have straight cut spur gears [of 20DP size], but the engagement from the range selector lever on top of the box is to move dog clutches, those give the tactile impression of gears meshing.

As Lampton says, get a copy of the gearbox manual to fully understand its operation.

Brian