Try http://www.getanymanual.com for a download of the manual, I think they have the BH600G cost is about a pound.

Ron

Edited By Ron Laden on 16/03/2022 14:11:21

Edited By Ron Laden on 16/03/2022 14:18:30

Hi Mike,

I have a BH600G (SN 0013) and so I could have more bench space I put it in the middle of my workshop. The guy I bought it from had it against a wall. The only reason you need to go round the back is to adjust the belt tension, but that could be done from the end with a fiddle.

The Warco manual is useless if you really want it I could scan you a copy. What is better is the Grizzly manual, PM me your email and I can send you a copy of that.

My stand did not have adjustable feet, I bought some but after mounting the lathe on the stand it was so wobbly I was scared it would topple over. I ended up bolting it to the floor instead.

For levelling, I considered putting shims between the lathe and stand but found it easier to put the shims under the stand.

The first mod you should make is to get a 6L milk bottle and cut it down to make a drip tray for the gearbox, as it does not have a bottom!

Adrian

Edited By AdrianR on 16/03/2022 14:27:23

Ha, you are fully down the lathe rabbit hole now. Two in one week!

Bolting it to the floor is a good idea for safety, but not everyone bothers. Be sure to check first for any gap under all the feet and put a shim in there before tightening down the bolts.

Setting it "level" does not necessarily need a level. You can achieve the same end result by turning a test piece about 1" diameter and 4 to 6" long with no tailstock centre in place. Measure the taper along the length after a fine cut and shim one or other lathe foot at the tailstock end accordingly. Your Myford Users Manual describes the process a few page in under "Setting Up" or some such. It is the same for all lathes. Plus there are a million threads on this site about it, all full of contradictory opinions so take your pick.

It is actually a good idea to set the bench slightly  off level so any oil and coolant etc drains to one corner of the catch tray.

Will be interested to follow your adventures with the two lathes in comparison with each other, one Chinese, one the hallowed England's finest Myford. Will be a great experiment to test them both out from a beginner's point of view, as the topic is a perennial debate on every forum such as this. (Not that you have any chance of settling such debate for once and for all. Most people value their own opinion over facts any day.   )

Have fun with your new toys.

Edited By Hopper on 16/03/2022 23:04:10

Edited By Hopper on 16/03/2022 23:07:15

Yes indeed. Something like this would be ideal. Then you could roll it about on pieces of pipe and or skid it on lengths of pipe with a long crowbar to propel it bit by bit.

If you use an engine crane, don't be tempted to lift the lathe by the chuck. Will quite possibly damage the chuck mounting and the headstock bearings. Ideally use a pair of nylon strap slings under the bed, or check the manual etc to see if there are any lifting eye bolt threaded holes in the bed . Be wary of it being top heavy like this though and have a couple of mates to steady it while you move the engine hoist. Maybe take the chuck, cross slide and tailstock off to shed some upper weight.

The one in the pic sold for 2025 Quid in UK. So sounds like you got into yours for the right price if it is in anywhere near as nice looking condition.

Edited By Hopper on 17/03/2022 09:15:04

Edited By Hopper on 17/03/2022 09:17:00

Another thing to be careful of is lathes are very top heavy: they readily topple over! Main thing is make certain no-one will be pinned underneath if it falls over.

Being relatively light a Myford is far less likely to get out of control, but the heavier BH600 needs care. As Bazyle says make sure the ropes can't slip. Keep the lift as low as possible and correct any tendency to roll as the lathe comes up off the floor. Two man job, one to work the crane, the other to control the lathe. Three is handy. Clear the floor and make sure there's enough space to turn the crane if a turn is needed. (I got this wrong – the side struts take up a lot of room.) Discuss the move before attempting it.

Best ask for advice is steps, soft ground, or anything awkward is in the way.

If the floor isn't level, consider putting down a layer of levelling compound for the lathe to stand on.

Moving big machines is another job where doing a few makes it easy!

Once the machine is position they're fairly safe, but consider bolting it down if it's likely to get biffed and there's nothing like a wall to restrain it!

Michael,

Go to Grizzly.com and download ‘MODEL G9249 12" X 37" BELT DRIVE GAP BED LATHE OWNER'S Manual’, the very best available!

My modifications:

A few more done since, but no photos added yet due to health issues unfortunately!

My Albums headed BH600G & Warco BH600G for more on the lathe.

Clutch and VFD without a doubt two at the very top of the mods done.

Geoff – Frustration doesn’t adequately describe how I feel!

Hi Geoff!

Good to see you!

The BH600G, (It was obtainable in Imperial or Metric form at one time ) is another manifestation of a generic Taiwanese lathe, (The Chester Craftsman was another UK import )

They came in slightly different configurations and colour schemes.

My BL12 -24 came fitted with a VFD as part of the deal, so lacks the control shaft and lever.

I have often wondered about the Ray McMahon "clutch" but never got round to making one up.

Possibly not vital having the "Jog" facility on the control pendant Having managed without it since 2003, it will ,probably never be fitted!

20 years use must say something about how highly I rate the machine!

Howard

Howard,

Thanks.

Missed spending time in the Workshop the last two years🤬

Don't hesitate making that clutch as it transforms the lathe whether it’s single or three phase.

When I had my Emco I got really peed off having to switch off frequently for whatever reason, particularly when making numerous small parts or measuring, but now an absolute pleasure.

I love the ‘Jog’ feature especially when using taps & dies in the Tailstock as well as screwcutting.

Geoff – Feels good to be back on the Forum

Mike – My BH600G was sledged into position in my timber workshop bolted down onto a length of thick kitchen worktop. I have never fixed it to the floor so it remains freestanding but it IS braced to the wall with two strips of steel from the main casting. Its not perfect by a long way but I manage OK. It just means that I have to be a bit careful when I use a faceplate with an offset workpiece.

Nice to see you around again Geoff – keep well!

Rik

There is also a version of the G.Meek screwcutting clutch for the BH600 somewhere.