ArcEuro Model 100 QCTP on a Myford ML7?

Has anyone fitted one of these to their Myfords who might have some advice before I splash-out please?

It looks as if "all" I need to do is to replace the Myford's 7/16 BSF toolpost bolt with an M14x1.25 one, but I am a bit reluctant to enlarge the hole in the top-slide to 14mm. Am I being too precious?

Is there a satisfactory way to keep the hole at 7/16 so that it can be returned to original and yet have a sturdy enough M14 thread above?

I thought about a shouldered stud coming through the topslide 7/16 hole with say a M8 threaded section which would screw into the M14 rod but obviously it'd need to be locked in some way to prevent it coming undone and would that ever be satisfactory really?

Any advice gratefully accepted.

Jon

Hello Jon,

The Myford toolpost stud is flanged on the underside and secured from rotation by a peg. I don't think your answer lies with a simple replacement threaded bar.unless you duplicate the flanged feature as well.

Why modify? I'm sure a trawl on ebay will find a genuine 7/16 fitting version and leave the lathe unaltered.

Regards Brian

For my one, I made a delrin bush that fits snug in the bottom of the tool block, and has drag on the bottom of the original pin. I made a stepped washer for the top.

The best part is, that due to the snugness of the delrin bush, when I rotate the tool post or need to clock it in, it rotates and pivots without the issues of the standard clearance tool posts.

Thanks Brian,

Sorry, I should have said that I know how the original 7/16 bolt is fixed and I would be aiming to reproduce the flange and pin with any new solution.

The problem I see is that the ArcEuro version requires a longer threaded bar to allow for the piston handle on top. I'm pretty sure that the original 7/16 bolt would be too short.

I have looked for other variants with a 7/16 hole and they seem to be of the Myford QCTP pattern which looks noticably cruder to me than the Arc version which seems closer to the Aloris?

Nick,

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm not sure I follow how the delrin bush can come into contact with the pin on the underside of the topslide casting. What am I missing please?

Many thanks

Jon

Edited By Jon Gibbs on 30/05/2014 09:52:54

The whole point of the Myford design is to avoid a relatively weak and shallow thread in cast iron. It also spreads the loading somewhat reducing distortion tendencies.

Assuming you have a suitable tap and the lengths work correctly so the internal and external threads don't overlap the minimum change option would be a tube nut having an internal 7/16 thread to suit the Myford stud and external 14 mm thread for the QCTP. Ideal would be to have the tube going right down to the top-slide so that it locks up directly but that would probably need an unfeasibly long tap so an intervening spacer would be required. I'd silver solder a separate spacer to the nut to improve rigidity. Tube and spacer being a decently snug fit in the tool post.

If modifications to the slide are acceptable a good approach would be to copy Smart & Brown and use a steel top hat bush screwed to the base of the top-slide and finishing flush with the upper surface with a suitable internal thread for the pin of whatever size seems sensible. Standard 7/16 is probably as good as any. Proper shoulder on the stud so it screws down solidly onto the bush. Reverting to standard simply means changing the 14 mm - 7/16 stud for a 7/16 - 7/16 one.

Clive

Jon, why not just buy the Dickson type tool post from Myford and you can be sure it will fit ora try I think R & D Precision? Who we're making a high quality tool made in the UK.

I don't have all the dimensions for the Arc post but it looks to have a recess sin the bottom and this may put additional unnecessary stress on the top slide, these are not very thick around the stud. As far as the hole- stud size goes all you need is a top hat spacer under the locking nut on top of the tool post.

i have original Myford Dickson tool posts on my lathe's and they have served me well for over 40 years plus I have been using this type of tool post since they were introduced in the 1960's

John

Thanks for the suggestions.

Based on Clive's description I sketched this out - obviously not to scale. Would this work do you think?

I know that the Myford/Dickson QCTP and clones of it are always an option but does seem that it is compromised by the height of the standard 7/16" stud, isn't it?

Has anyone tried this before me?

Many thanks

Jon

Edited By Jon Gibbs on 30/05/2014 11:21:21

AFAIK you can make the toolpost fit .....but the issue then is can you get your tooling low enough in the AXA holder? as they have a substantially thicker base than say a Dickson type.

Dull

Sorry, Mine is the Dickson Type.

It used to be a 4 way tool block with a sprag type of arrangement that allowed it to index every 45 degrees.

I removed that little block screws and pin, and replaced it with the Dickson type setup. I did have the Axa type but it was too thick in the holders to get tools to the correct centre height. It just gathers dust for another project oneday.

I will take some pics of what I have done if that is of any help and try to post them tomorrow if all is well.

Neil

Hi Jon,

Unable to go into specifics...purely because I dont know...but speaking with several Myford owners over the years, it would seem that the Model 100 QCTP is simply too big for the Myford ML7, S7, even if you solve the stud problem.

In short, I would suggest that you consider the other options being presented here, based on the responses I have had over the years.

Unfortunately, we have not really gone down the road of suitability for use with Myford lathes.

Ketan at ARC.

+1 for the A&R toolpost and holders. Well made bit of kit. I know they sell on ebay occasionally and better quality than the Chinese clones (I have a few of these holders too). He's got some nice rear toolpost sets on fleabay now.

Alternatively, Rotagrip do some Dickson styles which are small enough for the Myfords. I had one from them after the third return of an Indian/Chinese variant to the supplier!