GHT crosslide micrometer collars for the myford S7

Hi all,

I have been an admirer of George Thomas designs and have made many of the tools and equipment he described in the ME.

I am thinking of making this crosslide micrometer dial modification which he recommends, to my Myford Super 7 (non metric) circa 1962/3 lathe.

Has anyone carried out this modification? How did it go? Has it been useful and worthwhile?

Yes I know I could fit a DRO!.... but I would sooner blow the money on a DRO for the Emco mill.

Regards to all

Derek

That one is definitely on my 'to do' list. I shall be very interested in hearing of your progress especially your source for the bearings. I have completed a retractable top slide which has Georges larger free running lockable micrometer and find that (the micrometer) a great improvement. As GHT says in his book one of the Myfords shortcommings is the small size and friction adjust of the micrometers. Free running and positive locking is much better.

My Myford now has the Topslide mod as above, and a Meek Saddle Handwheel micrometer. I recently made Graham Meek's Tailstock micrometer too (pictures in my Album) so the cross slide would complete the set. I've never taken to DRO's on the lathe on the grounds that generally most sensor fittings get in the way and really don't add much to what good micrometers give you. I have to admit to being a bit of a traditionalist too. Mills are a different case and I don't think there is any argument against DRO's there.

I've build quite a lot of George's designs and admit to being quite a fan. There are always very good decriptions, often kit's of materials available and explanations of why the design was done in the way it was with interesting tips along the way.

I whole heartedly encourage you to proceed with your project , you will not be dissapointed.

regards Martin

Derek
I too have made a number of GHT's designs, including the cross slide micrometer mod and the top slide retracting mod. Pics of both can bee seen in my album, 12th pic down. The cross slide mod was made from scratch using the instructions in the original article in ME of Nov. '77 (It is also described in his Workshop Manual book). I highly recommend it, it is an absolute pleasure to use and I wouldn't be without it. It's been a while since I made it but I don't remember any real problems. The retracting top slide was made from a Hemingway kit ( I baulked at cutting the 3/8" left hand Acme leadscrew and nut!). Initially I was going to make the design without the retracting feature as I wanted it more for the better micrometer dial and the tailstock clearance but in the end went for the full retracting version. I'm glad I did as makes screwcutting so much easier and faster. Again I highly recommend it.

John