Boxford Lathe

Hi Everyone

New to this site but I do subscribe to Model Engineers Wkshop.

Many questions to ask as a long term but inexperienced metal machinist.

I have recently refurbished a Boxford 4.5 AUD lathe and it runs great with the original 3 phase motor with capacitor start and run network on single phase.

Main burning question do I grease or oil the main roller bearings??

I want to buy a slotted cross slide for it, does anyone have experience of the one available from http://www.latheparts.co.uk/ as it is £50 or more cheaper than others I've found which makes me suspicious of quality. Don't need the bees knees but also want it to work withou a lot of extra labour,

Thanks

Dave

Hi Dave

Can I direct you to:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BoxfordLathe-UserGroup/

for your Boxford specific questions. Where the answer to most of your questions can be found either in the Messages (e.g. the cross slide) or in the Files section (lubrication).

Regards

Richard

p.s. Grease is the answer to your burning question

I like to use Molybdenum (CV Joint) grease in my old 1953 model "A" spindle bearings I also use T68 slideway oil for the bed/carriage/crosslide & ISO 32 hydraulic oil for the gearbox & spindle.

Used genuine Boxford slotted cross slides do appear on Ebay quite regularly theres a single slot one up on there now starting at £50 Ebay Cross Slide it's exactly the same single slot type as the one I have, the later machines have three slots in theirs someone on here very kindly gave me the dimensions & a diagram of the other two slots which I plan to machine at some point.

Regards

Paul

Hi Dave

Firstly welcome to this forum they are not a bad bunch once you get used to our ecentric or is that concentric ways.

"I like to use Molybdenum (CV Joint) grease in my old 1953 model "A" spindle bearings I also use T68 slideway oil for the bed/carriage/crosslide & ISO 32 hydraulic oil for the gearbox & spindle." Yes use this I do. And the user group is a must for you. What are you planning to make!!

Bob

As the Boxford is based on the South Bend lathe another good group is the Yahoo South Bend Lathe Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/southbendlathe/

Paul

Edited By _Paul_ on 04/04/2012 08:55:20

Hi

Thanks everyone for the replies. What I would like to know is, is the cross slide advertised on the link I enclosed, familiar to anyone, and does anyone have experience of it. I want a multi slot one cos the last thing I want is to practise milling on a £97 item and also I want a quick fix. As far as model making goes I've only used the lathe for DIY mechanics and other houshold jobs. I did actually take model maker (some of you won't have heard of this ) when I was very young and drooled over the Myford advertised on the back cover, could never raise the money however to buy. I would like to construct a stationary steam engine and am intigued by Stirling Engines of the large variety. Whether I will ever do anything I don't know cos I have too many interests but not passionate about any.

I've had a quick look at the Yahoo site and will need to look at this in greater depth. I'm now off to do some caravanning, I might get a chance to use the internet if my dongle works in the middle of Wales.

Regards

Dave

I can vouch for the cross-slide made by Mr Ward as being of excellent quality. I fitted one years ago in order to fit a vertical milling attachment and it has proved its quality and accuracy. He manufactures a lot of other lathe accessories and mine was about half the price of another advertised in ME, and included postage.

I got a set of half nuts from Latheparts, they were fine and of good quality.

You have got a good lathe with a Boxford, under rated in comparison with other model engineers lathes.

Edited By Chris B on 16/04/2012 22:13:25

Thanks again to all respondees,

Think I will order one of these. I actually need it to take a vertical slide to do some milling, (as I don't have a stand alone milling machine). Yes, I think the Old Boxford should be more popular, its a very well made lathe, with a lot of rigidity and mine seems pretty good without much wear despite it being circa 1951, it has suffered cosmetically but while its working I'm loathe to disturb anything to paint it. I'm sure the long bed Myfords with their gap bed are more versatile but its nice to have some strength in the tool holders etc. Its a real step up from my other lathe which I still have ( can't bear to part) an old Zyto 3"+.

Regards

Dave