ml10 or some other?

I'm loathe to ask the question, because its your typical "how longs a piece of string" type. But, I'm in a position where I'm not experienced enough to make an informed decision. So I'm going to ask, I know ultimately, only I can decide and the usual things that apply to buying anything second hand.

I've been offered a speed10 long bed (18", pretty much in new condition (Manufacturers grease still on some of the gears and tools from Myford in their original wrap, never used) with the machine showing the usual aged paintwork but no scratches dings. Would come with spare gears, steadies, 2 chucks, 3 tailstock heads (from the looks of it) and some tooling, possibly a spare head. How much? £1250, Is that a fair price?

Now, I ask because thats how much I had envisaged spending in total to get me going over time, and is more than some of the (often more worn, heavily used) 7s that I see and thats before I look at Boxfords, Graysons, Drummonds and others. I have no specific examples, for comparison but you know the general ebay offerings and their variety.

So I guess my question is, if it was your money, which way would you go? Will I regret this particular model for being too small or lacking a feature I'll wish I had within the next year or two of learning?

Cheers,

Liam

A Warco WM 180 is slightly cheaper and with a bit shorter distance between centres, so how much extra tooling do you get with the Speed 10.

Thor

Say 10 - 20 cutting tools? Few centers, 2 steadies, Chuck, Calipers, Head, spare cross slide (by the looks of it), few tail end chucks, full set of gears.

Lathe itself is fully complete, so everything listed above is in addition to what you would expect to be fitted (if you see what i mean)

If it's a late model with the higher speed (Speed 10) and roller bearings then probably a nice machine to have. You would probably get a bigger new Chinese machine from Warco, Axminster or Chester for similar money but with less tooling.

Seems the Speed 10 is in good condition and comes with several extras that the Warco WM 180 doesn't include, so if if the Speed 10 will handle the work you intend to do, the Speed 10 should give you many years of fun in your workshop.

Thor

Beware comparing ml10 to w180,...they are not really comparable!

I have the W180 and like it a lot, but I’m making clocks & small tools....if I had the space the ml10 is a vastly better machine which is, frankly, in a different league.

Can't really judge without seeing it, if you post a photo of this myford lathe it would help.

Hey Pete, I don't know how to get it to display in this post. But if you click on my photos, you'll see it. Hope that helps

Liam,

FWIW, I would be very strongly tempted. To my unpracticed eye, re ML10s, it looks like a bargain.

You say that your machine would be used for small items, so you don't need a huge machine.

The big range of accessories, chucks, steadies tooling etc would be worth quite a bit.

(Years ago, when I contemplated a new Series 7 with a similar range of add ons, the extras were going to cost as much as, or more than, the basic machine. )

So a little used machine, in good condition, plus all the goodies looks to be a splendid start to setting up a workshop.

Howard

Looks to be an excellent example, I doubt you'd go far wrong with that.

I have been very happy with my s7 new in 82, but then I had to add a gearbox and even then a motor!

looking at the specs for the Warco, it looks a better machine with a better bed guide system, full gearbox and screwcutting, enabling a range of sliding feeds as well . What is good is the spindle bore, the 9/16 on my Myford was a constant annoyance until I got a cheap Colchester student 15 years ago( not much used!)Buying the Warco would give you about £300 to spend on other stuff.

the speed 10 looks a good machine with its stand and the tool range is ok but not brilliant the vertical slide is shop built and looks as if it lacks rigidity in the mounting   You won’t get a lot of use from the studies. The cutting tools could be good or v poor, some stuff I looked at when considering the Myford were to say the least a bit sad.

Edited By Zan on 19/02/2021 13:14:08

Edited By Zan on 19/02/2021 13:15:34

Liam,

if the lathe is big enough for your needs it is a bargain. I owned the identical model some years ago, and thought very highly of it. The long bed Speed 10 with its roller bearing headstock, higher top speed, and other standard features such as leadscrew clutch and leadscrew handwheel was the ultimate version of the ML10. Look after it and it will hold its value very well. Incidentally, because they are unique to the ML10, fixed and travelling steadies are like rocking horse manure, and fetch crazy prices on the second hand market, so very nice to have.

Mike

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The biggest issue with the ML-10 / Speed 10 that can't be overcome is the 3.25" centre height and lack of a gap.
Obviously this limits the maximum diameter you can turn to 6.5" compared to 7" (10" in gap) on a Seven or similar.
Some model engins etc have their castings, especially flywheels, sized to fit in 3.5" center height gap bed lathe.

If that's not a problem for you then it looks like a reasonable buy.

I'll be honest, half the problem is I haven't got a clear idea what I'd like to make. I'd like to learn how to turn, understand whats what and make a few things, what those things are is tbc.

Rob, you've nailed my main concern, 3.25" is quite low. I can't see me needing longer than 18", but having a 6" maximum diameter... that might get limiting quite quickly, and whilst I could accept the odd part being farmed out, if thats every other part then its a lot of money. Again without a clear idea, it's hard to know.

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Just to add, there was one of these that sold last week for £600 in about the same condition

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Boxford-lathe-csb-13-amp-plug-single-phase/254867792823?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

I guess my question is, for the money, could assume it would be 600 - 800 for the machine then whatever for tooling, would the Boxford be a better unit just because its a bit bigger...

decisions decisions

Thanks all for replies and guidance so far, really is appreciated.

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Other considerations might be that a new lathe will come delivered and with a warranty and phone support. Things useful for a beginner.

pgk

I have been using the same spec machine for the last 30 years and like it a lot. Having said that it does have issues that you need to consider like the low centre height and small bore through the headstock . They are nicely made machines but quite small and not suitable for big projects.

Doug