ML7 Clutch

Hello all,

I have the drawings for the ML7 clutch from issue 5 1991, which I would like to

adapt to my old, (very old ML2), can someone inform me of the material used

between the two cones ? I have been unable to access the article in question.

james

Hi James, the conical face of the clutch was covered with leather.

Graeme

Graeme W, Thank you, overall, quite thick stuff at over 1/8"..

james

I'm sure some people have used cast iron on cast iron.

Neil

Quite true Neil, in fact the cone clutch on my Studer cylindrical grinder is CI on CI and works very well

.

The author specifically mentions 'old leather belting'

I suspect that this was machine belting [rather than what holds your trousers up].

MichaelG.

Thanks to you all,

I have a couple more questions regarding said clutch, can I use copper as a bearing (5) on the counter shaft

pulley, it's only 6" dia, (unit all made many moons ago). I am considering casting the cones in ali, is there a reason

why parts 3&4 are separate, could they be made as one ? ( Bit daunting having to cut threads ).

james

Copper isn't ideal but why bother? Porous bronze bushes are not too expensive.

James,

Parts 3 & 4 are separate as there was at the time a perceived difficulty in buying alloy of the required diameter in the necessary thickness. So the part was made in 2pieces. Nowadays material should be available to make it from a single piece.

James,

I have sent you a message about the clutch, check your inbox, top green bar on screen, second icon from left.

I made the clutch for my ML7 and it worked well in the end. I did use bit of soft leather belting, initially the clutch slipped badly, then some one suggested I get a block of rosin as used by violinists. I crushed the rosin into chips then into a powder. I ran the lathe and opened up the clutch and sprinkled in the powder, did it a couple of times and the problem was solved. I still have the magazine and drawing somewhere. John

> can I use copper as a bearing (5) on the counter shaft

Leaded copper is actually used as a bearing material, comparable to babbitt metal, but its main limitation is that it wears easily. I would avoid it as constant lubrication would be critical..

Neil

I am going to the Midlands Exhibition, I would like to buy a 4", 4 jaw adjustable chuck for the old Myford ML2, can anyone recommend one of the many sold by the like of Chronas etc? Would also need a back plate. Is it easy

to fit?

Have to cut the keyway in the shaft of the clutch mod, I have no miller, nor verticle slide, how to do it?

james

It is easy to fit. Just turn it on the lathe you are using the chuck on so it is true. Hold the shaft in the chuck supported by a centre, use the back gear to stop the shaft from rotating. Cut the slot with a lathe tool ground to fit used on its side and rack the carriage back and forth to form the groove.