Myford ml4 restoration

Hi all, I am in process of restoring an old Myford ML4 lathe, I am thinking about replacing the original pulley with 'V' pulley system from a Myford ML7 / super7.

I was just wondering if anyone would/could recommend any other modifications please, as I am stripping it completely anyway and have access to a tool room and CNC machinery!?

I am going to turn a new spindle, does anyone have thoughts on the best thread to have on the new spindle nose? (it is the 1inch spindle) I could keep it the same which is 7/8" 9or12 t.p.i or I could update it to a newer thread standard?

Thanks in advance.

Berty

Not a Myford owner, but I would suggest it might be worth thinking of Poly - V belts, I know there are mods for Myford 7 with this type of set up, some one else will put you straight. Ian S C

Hi Berty

I had an ML4 as my first lathe many years ago - and it was an old lady then! That said we had some happy times together and I sold her on to a friend where she is still used frequently. As I recall the spindle is a No 1MT (?) which is a bit limiting but then the whole construction is a bit light weight compared with later Myford offerings ( some here might say that ALL Myfords are lightweight!) The problem with beefing up one part of the machine is that the deficiciencies are then found in other places.

If you are keen to change things ( rather than take the "restoration" route) you might find some ideas HERE - That should keep you going for a bit! Do keep us posted on your progress.

Regards

Norman

Edited By NJH on 28/06/2013 10:22:02

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Agreed 100%

MichaelG.

If you're looking at beefing up your lathe like the restoration in the link above I would recommend you get a Myford M series which is a semi-professional machine to start with

The bed is half as broad again as an ml4 and very stiff for its size

If you're just making her beautiful and useful again then a v-belt is useful, those link-section-belts are pretty good

Trawl around sites on google by searching for terms like "mini lathe mods" to give yourself ideas

Berty

I've just had a bright idea

Fit just one PolyVee pulley on the lathe and drive it from a small three phase motor on a variable frequecy drive.

You could almost certainly modify the existing pulley [PolyVee grooves are shallow]

The remaining space on the flat belt pulley could then be used to drive an "overhead" ... which is a very useful thing to have.

MichaelG.

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If any of these terms are unfamiliar, you will find plenty of earlier threads on this forum. ... For best results, use the search box on the home page. [the one just below the Chester Advert.]

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 28/06/2013 11:55:30

Berty,

There were some articles in MEW nos 40 - 48 about renovating/improving a Myford M type. If you think these may be of help then message me if you don't have access to these issues. They are of course in the digital back issues on this site for subscribers to MEW.

Phil

There is a thread some where about poly v belts, and it is metioned that the grooves can be cut using(I think) an 11TPI chaser, its not exact, but seems to work. MichaelG your idea sounds simple, And I think a 1/4hp motor would be OK, and you still have back gear(is that fitted on the ML-4). Ian S C

Wow, What an overwhelming response. Thank you all for your suggestions.

Ian; poly V belt sounds like a good idea, as Micheal suggested I could add poly V grooves in the existing pulleys, i think i will try this, so thank you both.

Norman; that is a little beast of a machine, some great ideas there.

Ady1; i was looking at thise link belts, they seem like a good idea, especially with the ML4 pulley system.

Phil; it would be great to read those issues, Thank you and i will message you shortly.

John; again, great advice, I don't suppose you have and picture of what you did to your ML4? It would be great to see them.

Thank you all, I hope i havent missed anyone out.

I have waited for months to get a lathe and when I got it I couldn't resist taking it apart. :-D in all fairness it was in a state and the sliders slip, while looking at rectifying it I noticed there isn't much material above the threaded hole so I am going to mill the threaded nut part away and machine a brass plate to replace it. I will add some pictures to help explain as soon as I can. But thoughts on this anyone?

thanks again, what a great bunch of blokes.

Berty

Berty,

One of those articles in MEW includes interposing an extra gear into the carriage winding mechanism as suggested above by John (Bogstandard2).

If you do go the V belt way, link belts although more expensive, are well worth the little extra for changing belts if nothing else. Ian S C

Hello Berty,

My late father had an ML4 which he bought in 1945, like some others who have posted on this thread I had a very happy relationship wsith it when it became mine.

I note you propose to make a new spindle,, I would recommend an ML7 Myford nose so that you can fit currently available chucks etc. and if the bore size allows give it a 2MT taper at the nose. Dad's lathe was already 2MT but I fitted a collar to the nose to bring the register diameter up the ML7 size of 1.5 inches, it was a very useful mod.

Enjoy your new friend

Kind regards Brian

Hi Berty , I own an ml4 lathe and have been slowly carrying out modifications throughout my ownership.

The previous owner had fitted an ml7 countershaft pulley incorporating the V belt set up, I have fitted a Handle to the lead screw as it makes life easier when moving the saddle in small increments ,I've also made a larger handle for the tail stock to make drilling easier, I've also extended the locking handle on the tail stock .

Other modifications are a Rear tool post which makes parting off more pleasurable , pics are in my album .

Re :- the spindle nose thread ,Id keep this the same size thread as you can still buy new or used back plates and chucks for the Myford .