Bump

Hello Diane,

You asked for some idea of value. Much depends on what accessories it has to go with it, other chucks, faceplate, stead(y)s and the set of change wheels for example, the list is not exclusive. These Myford lathes hold their value and one in cared for family ownership, rather than end of life eBay disposal, could fetch up to £500. A private sale will always do better for you than via a dealer offer.

You might find someone on the forum who would be willing to visit and give you a better idea; some idea of your town/city location will I'm sure get a volunteer. I live in North Yorkshire outside Thirsk if that gives you some idea.

Good luck Brian

According to the Lathes UK website:

If it is a ML1 the centre height will be 3 1/8" with 15" centre distance, ML2 is 24" centres.

If a ML3 this will be 3 1/2". centre height.and 15" centre distance, ML4 is 24" centres..

Someone more expert than I should be able to date the machine from the Serial number, but it will be a fairly early one a guess, judged by the flat belt drive. Probably about 1938 /39? (Later machines had Vee belt drive ), and the type of Tailstock.

On the earlier machines the chucks screwed onto a 7/8 Whitworth thread (7/8 x 9 threads per inch )

Later this was changed to 7/8 x 12 tpi, and some of the very latest machines had a 1 1/8 inch x 12 tpi thread.

Having a full set of change gears and, hopefully, a four jaw chuck will be good selling points, as will the four way toolpost (The original tool post held only a single tool )

The fact that the machine is on the Myford stand, with the Counbtershaft should add to the value.

Hope that this is of some help

Howard

Hi diane, its a sad fact there so few oldies that want to collect these items. like old motorbikes, cars etc. youngsters do not have any connection with them. probably want to collect old computers or games.best thing is to find a museum that will take these items. Re Martyn

Diane –

If you possibly can, don't try selling it in bits and pieces as Pete seems to imply. As he says, it's probably not ever so valuable but worth more as a complete set. Selling the fittings separately will leave you with a machine very hard to sell.

As well as already implicitly advertising it here, many of us use a machine-tool archive and classified-advertising site called http://www.lathes.co.uk. It does charge, I think about £35, for an ad. but does sell machines a lot older than this one.

Another is http://www.homeworkshop.org.uk Not to be confused with "Home And Workshop", who are dealers, this is a privately-run sales and wants site.; It does not charge but does appreciate donations.

There are second-hand tool and machinery / workshop-clearance dealers, some of whom advertise in Model Engineer magazine; but though reputable companies will pay very little for most older machines, especially if they have to collect a long way from their shops..

Diane,

This is not merely a collector's item

It is a useable machine. (I know someone with a ML4, probably not as comprehensively equipped as yours, who uses it to earn his living )

If you can post pictures of the various bits and pieces, we can try to identify them, and advise on their use.

Things like the gears, Faceplate, centres drill chucks and chucks will add value to the lathe, so when the time comes to sell, include them in the package.

Ideally, you could do with someone fairly local to you to help sort through things and identify them.

Don't rush!

Howard

PS  It may be worth buying M E W Issue 303 for the article on choosing a lathe, since it identifies the various parts, to aid you describing the machine.

Edited By Howard Lewis on 28/04/2021 12:23:52

Is there a model-engineering society reasonably close to your home, who can help?

My own society has done this for a few of our own members' families, handling the sales and obtaining sensible prices for the family.

As Howard says, this is a useable lathe, i certainly use mine. I paid 325 for my lathe on ebay, in a similar condition, i'd say yours might make between 250 and 400. the series 7 lathes are much more sought after than the M series lathes as they're more user friendly and can do more stuff. people will still want the M series though and old lathes always seem to make a decent price, here are a couple that sold recently

link

link

the bits and pieces might well be worth more than the lathe, but the main thing is to identify what they are so that you can have an accurate title on the listing and people can find them by searching. the best thing would be to put some photos up, i'm sure someone on here will identify what things are.

Condolences on your father, it's a sad fact that tools tend to outlive their owners, it's a good thing that they are passed on to people who can use and appreciate them though.

Edited By Andrew Byron on 08/05/2021 18:56:44

Hi Diane,

I live in Crewe so not very far away, although the lathe is of no interest to me I could pop around and help you put together a list of the items that are available with the lathe, at least that way you could advertise it as complete with etc,.

If you PM me I will be happy to let you have my contact details.

Regards,

Ian