ML7 Leadscrews/nuts Still Available?

All, I’ve been looking to improve the overall ‘feel’ of my ML7. there’s a fair amount of backlash in my top and cross slide lead screws.

Are they available anywhere at present?

Revently fitted the Arc thrust bearings and some re-settable dials; they need to be imperial.

Thanks.

This might help you identify the specific parts that you are seeking: **LINK**

https://www.myford.co.uk/acatalog/info%2d3556%2ehtml

Note: I was more than a little surprised to see that ‘Myford’ is now offering certain unfinished castings for sale:

**LINK** : https://www.myford.co.uk/acatalog/Shop-Soiled-Items.html

MichaelG.

HaHaHa ... latest method of competing with the Charlees!

Edited By Oily Rag on 13/02/2021 11:27:28

Parts 10, 25 and 16 - Leadscrews and Nuts.

Is there a method of slitting the nuts and loading them with a screw (like on the SX2P Mill)?

The link to parts could be useful. I have a non-Myford lathe topslide retrofitted at some time with the Myford feednut and dial.

The extended cross slide endplates could be an interesting upgrade for other lathes. But no drawings or dimensions provided. I wonder if owners of both ML7 and ML10 could oblige with dimensions of the mounting hole spacing and relative position of the feedscrew hole.

Those of an inquisitive nature might be interested to know that there are NSNs for some Myford parts:

... and these can be located by searching for the Myford part number

Example: **LINK**

https://www.nsncenter.com/NSN/3416-99-445-1924

... It might be amusing [or even useful] to compile a list for forthcoming MOD auctions

MichaelG.

Ebay No 143946170355 says more than 10 available.

Steve.

.

Interesting ... it’s ‘unbranded’ and ‘made from brass’ but listed with a Myford part number

MichaelG.

Interesting ... it’s ‘unbranded’ and ‘made from brass’ but listed with a Myford part number

Struck me as a bit odd as well, Michael - the new cross slide nut I bought from the spares counter at Beeston for my Super 7 was a Mazak die casting, same as the worn one that I took out.

And "Myford" show that part number for the Super 7 in their listing - no mention of it being applicable to the ML 7 as well.

Nigel B.

Just had another look Only has feedback points as a buyer but zero as a seller. Maybe home made items.

Steve.

Are they mazak or could they be white metal? Noel.

.

To the best of my knowledge, Noel ... the originals are mazak [or zamak] die castings.

Happy to be proved wrong if anyone can provide evidence.

MichaelG.

.

Ref. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zamak

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 13/02/2021 19:37:38

The originals are of a hard whitemetal, a fair bit of zinc, at a guess. ML7 lead screws come in two diameters, 5/8" & 3/4". Best to get the right ones..............

Andy

Someone on the Myford FB page has offered to send me a pair from the next batch he makes out of Phosphor bronze, silver soldered to a brass flange. Worth a try.

The OP says topslide and crossslide screws - I think. PB may be rather hard.

Yes indeed. Phosphor bronze will prematurely wear the non-hardened feedscrew. That is why Myford and many other lathe manufacturers used brass or Mazak (zinc-aluminium alloy) for half nuts and feedscrew nuts. The nuts are sacrificial: they wear out but do not wear the feed screw as much as a harder material would. I make my own halfnuts and feed nuts/inserts from brass. They will outlast me at this stage of the game.

Myford and some private sellers still sell the brass feedscrew nuts on their site and on eBay. Search for "Myford feed nut" and "Myford feedscrew" to find them. Leadscrew generally refers to the big 'un along the bed only. EG: FEED NUT

You should be able to measure the amount of wear on the screw's thread itself with a dial indicator showing the slice movement back and forth at different points on the screw engagment with the nut. Usually the ends are pretty much unworn so compare that reading with the area engages in the common operating position. Myford still sells the complete feedscrew with nut kits if needed.

Not sure about Myford's stock/availability in time of plague though. But at the end of the day, unless the nuts are totally worn out, they will not affect the performance of your lathe. The slack is taken up by cutting forces as soon as the tool engages. You just have to remember to turn the dial past the point of backlash if resetting a cut etc. Standard turning procedure anyway.

Or you could buy a length of Acme threaded rod of suitable size and machine the ends to suit. UK suppliers have been mentioned in previous threads on here.

Edited By Hopper on 14/02/2021 09:02:07

Edited By Hopper on 14/02/2021 09:13:54

Thanks Hopper - I’ll pass on your comments and see if they can be made in brass instead.

Its not that I’m particularly worried about It wobbling about during cutting, more that I want it to ‘feel’ better when turning the screws.

LOL. You might end up arguing religion with the nut maker on that one.

Ha ha correct! starter for 10: which composition of brass do you mean?

Anyway, excessive wear caused by whatever material I end up with will probably be someone else’s problem by the time it becomes an issue!

Cheers!