Myford VM-F

I have the chance to buy a Myford VM-F mill, The mill is in storage some 200miles from me, instant easy access isn't possible. I can't find dimensions anywhere on the internet.

Would any owners of this type of mill let me know the total height of the mill as the workshop has a 2m ceiling.

Many thanks

Ralph

With most stand mounted machines (or in deed bench mounted) you will run out of headroom for the draw bar.

Robert Butler

From a 1988 Myford brochure, to top of motor 1830 mm, to top of draw bar 2027 mm, pretty sure that dimension is the headroom required to remove the draw bar as the motor top looks to be the highest point of the machine. I can scan the relevant sections if you message me your email. Looking again 1830 mm is definitely the highest point of the machine.

Tony

Edited By Tony Pratt 1 on 16/02/2023 17:38:48

Edited By Tony Pratt 1 on 16/02/2023 17:43:17

Hi Tony, many thanks for the dimensions.

Just measured the workshop - looks like I’m in luck, the 2m dimension is to the door lintel, the floor to ceiling inside is 2.25m. Fingers crossed the mill is in good condition when I get to see it.

Ralph

Probably a bit late, but I have just measured my VM-F and can confirm the height at around 182cm (that is the figure given in my manual) and you would need another 12cm above that if you wanted to remove the drawbar vertically. Personally I never have a need to remove the drawbar, and if anyone had one of these machines in a low workshop one could always tilt the head sideways to give more clearance.

Dave

Looks like there's more than 12cm clearance between spindle nose and table. Make a drawbar with a bit of studding, pass it up the spindle, and put nut and locknut on it. Solved.

For the odd occasion you need to remove the drawbar can't you swivel the head horizontal?

Absolutely correct 👍

Tony

Being careful that the unbalanced weight doesn't brain you when you loosen it, and having to re-tram afterwards.

Mine is a VM-C so I am not sure if this applies to the VM-F but you need consider the height or clearance needed for the top cover if that has to be opened or removed. (The VM-C uses V-belts and these are under a deep hinged cover.)

I would not swivel the head horizontally, only to enough to remove the drawbar (should that be necessary - as others say it normally stays there.)

Ralph, just sent you a couple of messages.

Tony

MT tooling may require a metric or imperial drawbar, I certainly would not wish to tilt the head to swap over as realignment is a time consuring pain.

Robert Butler

Robert B, these machines were all made with R8 spindle tapers which is as standard 7/16" UNF, I have had my VME m/c for nigh on 20 years and only use one draw bar, can't remember needing to remove it completely in all that time.

Tony

R8 - MT2 adaptor and tooling where M10 or 3/8 Whitworth drawbars may also be needed. I have made and used both on my R8 machine.

Robert Butler

Hi Dave,

Ive sent you a message regarding your VMF manual

Regards

Alan