Boxford Modification

Five complete Boxfords of different vintage plus two separate TUD headstoks has been guests here.

It has been more fun for me  to modify chinese bench lathes, as there is a theoretical possibility that changes could go into production

My main interest is to make the most capable hobby lathe for least mass and volume and be within comfortable lifting force of two pensioners.

Some of my convictions can still be applied to Boxfords and will maybe be of interest.

The existing spindle design can be stiffened and chuck overhang reduced.

The original reason for very long spindle ,was to have all that belt drive speed change on spindle and that is not state of art.

A short register on spindle flange for chuck mounting compares very well with other solutions.

And is ultra-concentric.

The  two grease traps will need enlarging from 35 and 38.1mm to 50.02mm.

This can be easily remedied if modification is going to be reversed later on.

My reason for bringing this topic up again is twofold:

Is there a method of enlarging the main-bearing holes using only the existing bores as reference?

If not, does someone here know what bearings are used in the new MX-400 8*16 chineese lathe with 38mm spindle bore and mass around 60kg?Sold by Vevor uk

Edited By Niels Abildgaard on 08/05/2022 16:28:17

Edited By Niels Abildgaard on 08/05/2022 16:29:37

Edited By Niels Abildgaard on 08/05/2022 16:40:18

The method for increasing the diameters by reference to the exiting bore is known as 'line boring'. It is used when re-metalling the main bearings of engines, so you might find someone locally in that business who could help.

Cheers, Tim

This is a better way.

Does Sparey not mention this in his book?

Methinks I have seen it on page 134 ?