Myford ML7 Tooling & Equipment

Hi

To you all.

I've just purchased a Myford ML7 with a minimal amount of equipment, so I'm looking to gather equipment and accesories etc.

I've a limited knowledge of lathes and associated equipment, so I'll be looking for advice etc over the coming weeks and as projects progress etc

Firstly the three jaw chuck fitted appaears to fitted with external jaws, is it possible to get hold of internal jaws or is it a case of purchasing a new chuck with such items fitted?

Are the cutting tools equivelant to 12 mm in dimension suitable for this lathe or otherwise?

There was no cutting tools supplied with my lathe, therefore I'll need to purchase these, are indexable tools the best option or otherwise?

I'm on a budget so would look for your advice on the best options and places to visit, shop from etc as I travel to most places of the country through my work.

Many thanks in anticipation of your help and advice

Regards,

John

Hi John, well done on getting the ML7. In case you don't yet know the current Myford owners are www.rdgtools.co.uk where you can navigate to the Myford users section to find lots of tooling and accessories. (Also see their ad on this forum)

Three jaw chucks usually come with both pairs of jaws which are specific to that chuck for accuracy purposes so, it may be best to get a new chuck when you can and keep the other as a spare (most useful as you get on).

The shank size of your lathe tools is dependent on the tool post being used. The tool cutting edge needs to be set at exact centre to the mandrel so you should measure from the lathe centre to the bottom of your tool holder to find the maximum tool shank you can use although you should allow a little for adjustment (packing). In practice a 10mm shank is usually fine.

Cutting tools are many and various of course and everyone has their own views on the subject however, a good starting point is to either buy a small selection of HSS (High Speed Steel) tools or, if you are able, get some HSS blanks and grind your own. This method is cheap and versatile. There are many sets of carbide tipped tools which are also worthy contenders but you could do with a special (green) wheel for sharpening. The indexable tools are very good and convenient but somewhat expensive, plus you need to keep spare tips so possibly leave those for the future. Glanz and Greenwood being a couple of popular makes.

Many of the usual suppliers advertise on this website so do have a look on the right hand side of the page.

Hope this helps

John

Hi John

It may be possible to buy just the jaws for your chuck but even if you can track them down they may be expensive. John W's recommendation to look at RDG's site is good - look at the left hand col. on their home page and navigate to "Myford Lathe users Page" where you will find a variety of chucks, toolholders and other "goodies". My preference is for the Quick change toolpost as this certainly speeds things up both in terms of setting tool height and in the ability to make rapid tool changes. (You will find alternative opinions about this in other threads on this site!)

As far as lathe tools go HSS will be the cheaper option and perfectly OK for most jobs. You can buy HSS blanks to grind yourself or, if you are having a birthday, maybe buy one of RDG's sets of "Profile Turning Tools" which will give you preformed shapes for most of the tasks you will encounter to start with. These will just need "touching up" on the bench grinder from time to time. I have the 8mm size.

As you may know RDG took over from Myford and the machine spares are available from their site - see ad on right.

If you travel around a lot seek out secondhand tool shops. A large part of my workshop has been purchased in these - in fact I may now have more "stuff" than they do (At least that's what my wife says!)

Welcome - and good luck!

Regards

Norman

Edited By NJH on 16/06/2012 16:20:43

John

For sound advice on all things Myford, join the Yahoo Myford Lathes group.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/myfordlathes/

Dave

The Emerald Isle

get yourself a 'diamond tool holder' - see lots of posts in lots of forums. easy to sharpen, great for standard turning (external diameter reduction and facing). Best thing i ever bought for my lathe.

(there are several designs for homemade 'tangential holders' which all do the same thing if you are up to it.)

-russ

Edited By russell on 17/06/2012 01:55:34