Myford 254 lathe

Thinking of upgrading from an Myford super 7 to a Myford 254? Never worked on a 254 so does anyone out there have one that can state the advantages ie specification etc. Any help would be appreciated.

Paul Southern

I used a 254 for four years. Good lathe except for the method of engaging back gear, you have to loosen 4 allen screws on the end of the spindle. Why did they have to make them two different sizes?

Norman

On my 254 I only have to release two of the Allen cap head screws to use backgear, but it is still a weak point with no interlock to the speed selector lever, what would happen if this vital step was forgotten I do not know.

All your attachments tooling from the S7 will fit, vertical slides etc. are however mounted far from ideally, being way below their centre heights. The tailstock is a weak point, the barrel being the same as the S7 just in a larger casting. if using Dickson quick change tooling, you are restricted to rather small tools for such a large lathe.

On to the positive's, D1-3 camlock chuck mount is the best choice, the bolted on chuck option is fiddly to change, the power cross feed is good, the covered leadscrew is good, the speed range is good (bare in mind the silly back gear) digital readout scales fit quite easily. The topslide is more robust and far easier to use. All your Dickson tooling (if you have that type of toolholder now) fits. The extra centre height means making those traction engine flywheels are now possible or turning castings which are that little bit to large or heavy for the S7. The chucks are far more robust. The number 4 morse in the headstock is useful as is the larger through bore.

Looks like a somewhat better lathe but the prices are mind boggling with some traders charging upwards of £4000. If you are thinking of spending anything like that sort of money there are much better lathes out there. I have Seen a Hardinge HLV recently being sold for far less than that and a mint looking Harrison M250 for half that price. Both offer much better value for money IMHO.

Hi D s. I have a Myford 254 S. It is a great machine. It may have some limitations but frankly there isn't a lathe made with no limitations. Mine has the Camlock chuck. If you are anywhere near Leicestershire you are welcome to come and try it out. HTH.

Hi, I have the 254 plus metric lathe, mine has the bolt on chuck, you get used to it, but I do wish it had a clutch fitted, I don't think it does a lot of good keep stopping and starting the motor. Back gear on mine is only two cap heads as well. In hindsight I think Andrew is correct, you will get better value for money else where, and if you can buy a Hardinge the Rolls Royce of lathes, do not hesitate, just build a good thick concrete base. Good luck.

Sorry by the way if your anywhere near Herts you can come round and have a go, also

Thanks again to everyone who replied to my appeal for information on the Myford 254. Being a newcomer to the forum it was most helpful to obtain unbiased views from actual owners. Thanks again.

Dudley

I have a Super 7 and a Colchester Master 2500 and I find I use the Master far more than the Myford,The Myford may be more versatile with its attachments but the capacity and handiness of the Master is more useful,especially the forward and reverse clutches, and they are usually just a bit cheaper than the larger Myford.