Is this a ML7?

Hi, you all,

I found this advertisment on a Dutch 2nd-hand website. It is advertised as a "metal lathe ML7" but the pictures are a bit curious to me. The tailstock "still has to be fitted" according to the text and is definetely not Myford. But also the cast bed seems to have differently shaped feet. The belt covers are missing and there is not a name in sight. I suspect this to be a frankenlathe, but what do you think?

http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/doe-het-zelf-en-verbouw/draaibanken/m1030356233-metaatdraaibank-ml7-met-werk.html?c=be2da871b0d84f75c3056cc6db858f31&previousPage=lr#

Link

I have a SIEG C-2 so I don't need another lathe, but a ML-7 might be a significant step up.

Wout Moerman

Edited By JasonB on 14/03/2016 13:23:14

Wout Moerman:

Is frankenlathe a recognized make or, perhaps, Dutch for hybrid or similar?

Dutch cookies look tasty!

Stroopwaffles - my favourite

Now made in Wales

Rod

Ega,

By frankenlathe I mean what you probably call a hybrid. A machine assembled from different machines.

Wout

From memory it looks like the early ML7 to me - not the more recent one with S7 headstock - the tail stock is completely wrong.

Me and my ML7 did part company some time ago though.

Google translates the page well.

I suspect the title translate a metal work lathe, German makes use of bank if I recollect correctly dribank or something like that.

John

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Edited By Ajohnw on 14/03/2016 15:56:37

That is a very interesting collection of pictures!

It is definitely a Myford ML7 but the tailstock isn't original. In fact that lathe in the picture is the very first style Myford made. Later numerous refinements and changes occurred leading up the the Super 7 variant introduced later. The first ML7s were produced in the Beeston factory late 1946. I have the ME for 1946 which is the original announcement it would be going into production towards the end of the year and it is exactly the same as the pictures, even down to the odd index dials. Later Myford changed these to the Mazak types most people are used to seeing.

It may be a good investment from a historical point of view, it seems a bit pricey, but Austin 7 cars now also sell for ridiculous prices!

It looks like a clone to me. Look at the green one a few pictures down on the lathes.co.uk page here **LINK**

There is no gap under the chuck, the double drive pulley, the oilers, etc. And that tailstock! Keep away, keep well away.

Steve

Wout Moerman:

Thanks for the explanation - franken as in frankenstein, no doubt! I think we might call this a mixed marriage but I like franken more.

Whilst I can't answer your question with complete confidence you might find the lathes.co.uk page on Myford clones to be of interest.