Myford CNC Conversion Kit - Tony Jeffree

I've recently acquired a Myford ML7/Super 7 CNC conversion kit from Tony Jeffree's design. From what I can tell, it's partially completed and only needs the actual leadscrew modifications ('part 1' and Mach3 setup, of which the pulleys and belts are there. The cross slide pulley, leadscrew motor box, and controller are complete.

The CNC control box is from DIYCNC.co.uk and within is their Uniport V2 controller. I couldn't tell you much else about the full controller setup. There are two other parts contained, top right in the pictures, which are internal grinding spindles placed into a housing with bolt fixing locations on the Myford cross slide. My guess is that the original user was going to convert it into a 2 axis milling setup, well capable with this Uniport controller.

I was wondering if there's still demand for this sort of thing to be sold on as currently I've not got any interest in converting my ML7.

http://www.jeffree.co.uk/pages/ml7-cnc/part-1-files/myfordcncpt1.htm
http://www.jeffree.co.uk/pages/ml7-cnc/part-2-files/myfordcncpt2.htm
http://www.jeffree.co.uk/pages/ml7-cnc/part-3-files/myfordcncpt3.htm
http://www.jeffree.co.uk/pages/ml7-cnc/part-4-files/myfordcncpt4.htm

Mach 3 is still about as far as I am aware, the steppers look like nema 23s 3amp jobs which are ok

a couple of controllers a power pack and a board all wired up and ready to go

Bound to be a few who would fight over it on ebay, especially since the build files are still available

Edited By Ady1 on 08/08/2023 09:24:48

As long as you have 16bit computers that will run XP or Win10 and have a USB port I don't think Mach3 is going to disappear very fast. It has been around long enough to be stable and a lot of people are using it without problems. I know there are some people who would like to improve threading due to the single pulse per rev causing issues on low power lightweight machines, but if you have back gear, a drive train with plenty of mass and a sufficiently powerful motor there is no problem. I think people who converted machines with a speed control that reduced motor power were the ones having the biggest headache with threading.

Martin C

The Uniport is I think a parallel port BoB which also needs a USB connection to get +5v from the host. Mach3 needs a 32 bit processor to drive a parallel port, any 64 bit processor can only use a USB or Ethernet interface to a suitable motion controller. PCs with a parallel port must be pretty rare these days. However a USB motion controller such as the UC100 could be used with this to drive the parallel port input.

Mach 3 is OK but any new user would be well advised to use Mach4 or UCCNC or similar with a USB or Ethernet interface.  M3 is long in the tooth and unsupported for getting on for 10 years.

Edited By John Haine on 08/08/2023 13:40:45

I've got a computer which has a parallel port. It is destined for the tip, so if anyone wants it come to north Cheshire and get it. Free, gratis and for nothing. If you really want to part with money a donation to the Sally Army. On security grounds I might take the hard drive out

Edited By duncan webster on 08/08/2023 15:04:33

I think there are parallel port adapters about ported onto a usb connection

No guarantee that it will communicate 100% though, you have to buy and try

Edited By Ady1 on 08/08/2023 18:01:42

usb to parallel port adaptors will not work in this situation...

sam

Here's a fancy one, seems to be for mach 3

You can try to get a pukka UC100 USB to Parallel motion controller adapter if you want Mach 3 'big Button CNC' (for which you still have to pay a hefty licence fee). Find a reputable source of supply because it is said there are plenty substandard knockoffs about.

Or go down the Arduino UNO / CNC shield route wire up the drivers and PSU etc to it and use Grbl or any of the other free G code runners and run your machine off a laptop.

Much to my surprise, I managed to easily convert an old Chinese Mach 3 engraver/router with the arduino approach and I have no electronic knowledge whatsoever. Heaved all of the big boxes complete with parallel ports into a skip, never been so glad to see them go. Mind you, they were so old maybe they could have been flogged on line as 'vintage' post Turing computing equipment!

Edited By Martin of Wick on 08/08/2023 18:48:32

So to answer your actual question, I am sure there would be a demand for the mechanical parts and drivers for anyone wanting to convert an M7 to CNC.

A good thread on github with a modified Grbl but requiring an Arduino Mega - Doubt if a UNO would have enough capacity for the extra control a lathe requires.

I said earlier 16 bit when I should have said 32 bit. I believe some 64 bit computers will not run Mach3

Martin C

Edited By Martin Connelly on 08/08/2023 19:39:08

Any 64 bit PC will run Mach3 with a USB or Ethernet motion controller, Win10 and 11.

GRBL has been used quite a few times on CNC lathes and I think there's a version called GRBLlathe. GRBL on an Arduino or something more powerful and ARM-based should be an interesting approach for a motion controller for M3 but one would need a Mach3 "plugin" that would involve getting the API details from Newfangled Solutions. They don't really want people using Mach3 any more (though they are pleased to sell it).

Thanks all for your replies!

I'll likely be listing it on eBay soon, along with a link to this thread with all this amazing information.

I have been using mach3 with usb connection for years. It’s not the mach3 program that stops people using usb it’s the breakout board they use. I have converted two lathes to run on Mach 3 it’s simple enough. The only pain I had was working out the steps per revolution etc, as it’s not automatic on the Mach 3 turn program, why I don’t know.

Would be helpful if you could specify which BoB you use?

I use a CS-LABS Bob, however there are a few very good cheaper bobs on Amazon or eBay that work very well.

Thanks, so a combined motion controller and BoB.

The CS-LABS unit is, the cheaper bobs on eBay not. However I have found both very easy to set up and use.

Hi all,

I have listed this kit on eBay if anyone who comes across this thread is interested.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/266377098611