Myford 254 Plus toolpost type

I've just gone all extravagant and aquired a Myford 254 Plus lathe, to replace my ML7-R and Colchester Bantam in order to free up some space in the workshop.

I'm a little surprised that the spec for the Dixon toolpost is given as a T00 or S00 the same as the 7 range of lathes, which seem a bit small for the machine, if there are any owners out there, would they let me know what they have fitted please. I need to know whether to keep the Dixon from the ML7-R or the T1 size from the Bantam (same size as Boxford use) Any pointers on suitable size would be appreciated.

I will not get the new machine for a week or so so i can't measure the centre to topslide distance until then. and internet searches have not revealed anything specific to the 254 plus, I imagine the plus refers to the slight increase in centre height.

I'm also very tempted by the Multifix clones available, I've used them at work and like them, so I'd be interested if anyone has fitted one to a 254.

Any help much appreciated.

Dave

Edited By Dave Wootton on 30/03/2021 19:59:54

Mine's got the same as the S7, this is what it came with, but it is a bit small. The centre height from the top-slide is ~20mm, so will anything bigger fit?

Thanks Duncan

That would be why the smaller toolpost is specified then, as you suggest it doesn't look like anything much bigger would fit, not the end of the world as I'm sure the T00 size will do everything I need.

Thanks again

Dave

One of the advantages of the 254 (plus) is that plenty of Super 7, etc. stuff can be used. The "elephant's foot" tool clamp, 4-way swivelling one, and "Dixon" one are common to both.

In practice, it isn't a problem, save when the pin which secured my parting off tool holder sheared. I am not sure that the baby lathe would have had enough power to do that - it might just have stalled.

Edited By Chris Pearson 1 on 13/04/2021 22:26:22

Hi Chris

I've just installed the 254 and used it for the first time and am very pleased with it so far, I was a little surprised that the larger T1 toolpost can't be used on this size lathe. I've changed from a Bantam and ML7-R to just having one medium size lathe to replace both. You know who's law meant I had many more of the larger toolholders than Myford size ones, the same law required that everything in the workshop be moved at least twice to get the old out and the new in.

I think a Hemingway rear toolpost is the first project so I can use my tipped parting tool which is just too large for the Myford toolholders. Didn't realise quite the amount of upheaval just changing lathes causes I'm sure it will be worth it in the end!

Dave

Hello Dave,

The 254 lathes appeared to be very much based on the Raglan marque, which myford bought out (and promptly closed down). More modern improvements included an enclosed gearbox with immersion lubrication in both gearbox and apron, so more modern (and easy) operation.

The ‘plus’ lathe had a very slightly larger centre height than the Raglans and a more powerful drive motor. The earlier versions were slightly smaller.

There is plenty of info on the lathesdotco website. A good choice IMO. I’m sure you will find it far, far better than the ML, but expect there may be some downsides compared with the Bantam.

I did (fleetingly) consider the 254 as an alternative when I decided to up-grade my LJ. The 5” choice was a no brainer, for me - same reliable layout as the LJ and a lot cheaper (and much easier to find).🙂. You will not be disappointed, I think.

Here is my 254 with PeWe Tools size AS.

personally I wouldn’t bother with a rear tool holder for parting off, can you not just modify the tool to suite the tool post?

Ian

I use the Kit-QD as supplied by Greenwood tools. The only issue is the countersunk screws in shear, it would be a lot better with 2 dowels taking the load and the screws just holding it on. Not enough better to make me alter it in all these years!

Kit QD

I also use the Greenwood tools parting off system. Like you I have never had a problem with it letting go despite doing some fairly extreme parting off.

What a pity Greenwood Tools have finished.

Ian

Ian

Interested in the Pe We tools multifix I like using those, I'll have a look on their website. I do use the Q cut, but I also have a larger Sandvik model that I would like to use, My Myford is fitted with a GHT indexing rear toolpost with the parting tool and a chamfering tool, I find it quick and easy, just a preference I suppose.

Bantam was a great lathe but it was the Bantam 2000 larger model about the same centre height as a Student, Although it was a quiet one I still found it noisy in a garage workshop with a low ceiling, after lengthy machining periods on the higher speeds I found it tiring, and wearing ear defenders or plugs inconvenient. Planning on moving fairly soon and didn't fancy moving it again, fortunately the buyer was well prepared for collection so not too much huffing and heaving to do!

My friend has a very nice Raglan and it seems to be a very capable lathe, he makes reliable injectors on it which must say something of it's capabilities.

Dave

There was a Myford 254 rear tool post on fleabay recently, but surprisingly, with a starting price of only £90 it didn't sell.

I am also very pleased with mine. It's about the biggest lathe that will fit in my indoor workshop. Anything bigger would have had to go in the garage, which does not appeal.

I think very much better than the 7" Myford, but no more expensive!

Edited By Chris Pearson 1 on 14/04/2021 18:24:33

Dave, is your rear toolpost just GHT made a bit taller, or did you scale the whole thing up? It's on the to-do list, not hat I have any difficulty parting off, but it would speed things up when making multiple parts

Hi Duncan

The rear toolpost I have at present is the GHT one and is on my ML7-R which I need to get around to selling, I did have one I made for the Bantam which was basically the GHT one scaled up but with different mountings to suit the non slotted Bantam crosslide. From memory the indexing turret was made from 3" square BMS , the whole thing was fabricated from steel at work on the night shift. Oh how I miss the big mill and surface grinder now I'm retired!

At the same time I made an one for the works Chipmaster , which was a general use machine, and very few people used the rear toolpost, some had never seen one before which surprised me. I agree it does speed things up when making multiple parts,

The Bantam rear toolpost was passed on to a good friend who had pestered me for years to make him one before the Bantam was sold. I couldn't find a photo, only the ones I took to advertise the lathe, but will look further. The Hemingway kit looks very similar, being an enlargment of GHT's design but is designed for Tee slot mounting ( Colchester provide a number of tapped holes at the rear of their cross slide). I have some large tipped boring tools that do not fit the Myford toolholder, so will make a spare indexing toolblock so I can use them in the 254 rear toolpost.

Dave

Sorry for edits, morning coffee not kicked in yet.

Edited By Dave Wootton on 15/04/2021 07:01:17

Edited By Dave Wootton on 15/04/2021 07:02:22

Edited By Dave Wootton on 15/04/2021 07:03:39

Are your VME mill and Kennet grinder not able to be used for making one? GHT’s plans are cheaper than a kit - but not by that much, I suppose, when materials need to be sourced from several different vendors.

Hi NDIY

Even though it is in the form of a kit of materials and a casting I would still consider completing the Hemingway kit as making one, maybe not quite from scratch. I like the idea of an iron casting for the base and do not consider the kit to be unreasonably priced, I do believe in supporting our better traders of which I consider Hemingway to be one. They have spent time and effort to produce the design and pattern so I would expect to pay more than the raw material cost.

I could buy the materials and make from the solid, but don't think there would be much to be gained, I need to order one of their steady kits so that helps with postage costs.Besides I like making things!

Dave

Another vote for the Pewetools AS Multifix clone from me. I bought my 254s after viewing several knackered Bantams and have been delighted with it. Pewetools will also advise on the right size toolholders and they do a good variety to suit the 254. I think the ASD1460 is the standard holder that most suits.

My 254 came with a rear toolpost but since buying the Multifix I hardly ever use it - I prefer keeping the cross slide space free for other operations as I don't have a separate mill.

THe AS will go straight on the existing post, but you will have to modify or make a simple collar. The only downside is that Pewetools are the sole suppliers of AS size, so if anything happens to them you won't be able to get any more holders.

Thanks DIY Addict ( I'm more of a home DIY Avoider!)

I'm using the Dixon toolpost from my ML7-R at present, which works ok but does seem a little small for a fairly chunky lathe, I'm going to go for the Pewe AS option, they seem to have the best selection of toolholders to suit the machine. I've used the Multifix type at work and have always been impressed with the rigidity.

Will have to wait until next month, My spending on new tooling for the new lathe has appeared on the domestic radar, which I fear will mean catching up on some outstanding domestic decorating as a kind of smokescreen!

Dave

I made a rear tool post from the Hemmingway kit, it works well but you have to be aware that the tapered side doesn't leave much room for centre height adjustment. I reverted to the horizontal slot side, using another type of holder placed upside down & run the lathe in reverse, bolted on chuck I must add, on a Warco WM250.

It has now been relegated to 'for use later; maybe' as most of the small stuff I part off can be done easily with front holder under power / hand feed without any concerns.

Casting kit...

Test cuts...

Look in my album 'Rear tool post' for more pics.

George

Erratum.. '& run the lathe in reverse', should read 'run in normal rotation'

Edited By mechman48 on 22/04/2021 12:01:53

Thank you for posting that George, it is extremely useful, particularly the shot with the rule included! I can now make a decent judgement on whether it would suit my lathe. I'm a little concerned that a rear toolpost may get in the way for normal turning, the cross slide is shorter than on my previous Bantam, the post I made for that overhung the back of the cross slide slightly. Even so one always had to be mindful of not running one or other of the lathe tools into the chuck or work.

I never envisaged just a change of lathe would bring up so many dilemma's, seemed such a good idea at the time!

Dave

I use the same quickchange toolpost as the seven series lathes on mine. Usually mounted on a custom made toolpost as below. The original topslide is reserved for taper turning only. Makes for a very rigid setup...

My advice about the quickchange toolpost is that there are wide variations in quality out there if buying one new. Would recommend the Bison brand.