Mine's got the same as the S7, this is what it came with, but it is a bit small. The centre height from the top-slide is ~20mm, so will anything bigger fit?

One of the advantages of the 254 (plus) is that plenty of Super 7, etc. stuff can be used. The "elephant's foot" tool clamp, 4-way swivelling one, and "Dixon" one are common to both.

In practice, it isn't a problem, save when the pin which secured my parting off tool holder sheared. I am not sure that the baby lathe would have had enough power to do that – it might just have stalled.

Edited By Chris Pearson 1 on 13/04/2021 22:26:22

Hello Dave,

The 254 lathes appeared to be very much based on the Raglan marque, which myford bought out (and promptly closed down). More modern improvements included an enclosed gearbox with immersion lubrication in both gearbox and apron, so more modern (and easy) operation.

The ‘plus’ lathe had a very slightly larger centre height than the Raglans and a more powerful drive motor. The earlier versions were slightly smaller.

There is plenty of info on the lathesdotco website. A good choice IMO. I’m sure you will find it far, far better than the ML, but expect there may be some downsides compared with the Bantam.

I did (fleetingly) consider the 254 as an alternative when I decided to up-grade my LJ. The 5” choice was a no brainer, for me – same reliable layout as the LJ and a lot cheaper (and much easier to find).🙂. You will not be disappointed, I think.

I use the Kit-QD as supplied by Greenwood tools. The only issue is the countersunk screws in shear, it would be a lot better with 2 dowels taking the load and the screws just holding it on. Not enough better to make me alter it in all these years!

Kit QD

Dave, is your rear toolpost just GHT made a bit taller, or did you scale the whole thing up? It's on the to-do list, not hat I have any difficulty parting off, but it would speed things up when making multiple parts

Are your VME mill and Kennet grinder not able to be used for making one? GHT’s plans are cheaper than a kit – but not by that much, I suppose, when materials need to be sourced from several different vendors.

Another vote for the Pewetools AS Multifix clone from me. I bought my 254s after viewing several knackered Bantams and have been delighted with it. Pewetools will also advise on the right size toolholders and they do a good variety to suit the 254. I think the ASD1460 is the standard holder that most suits.

My 254 came with a rear toolpost but since buying the Multifix I hardly ever use it – I prefer keeping the cross slide space free for other operations as I don't have a separate mill.

THe AS will go straight on the existing post, but you will have to modify or make a simple collar. The only downside is that Pewetools are the sole suppliers of AS size, so if anything happens to them you won't be able to get any more holders.

I made a rear tool post from the Hemmingway kit, it works well but you have to be aware that the tapered side doesn't leave much room for centre height adjustment. I reverted to the horizontal slot side, using another type of holder placed upside down & run the lathe in reverse, bolted on chuck I must add, on a Warco WM250.

It has now been relegated to 'for use later; maybe' as most of the small stuff I part off can be done easily with front holder under power / hand feed without any concerns.

Casting kit…

Test cuts…

Look in my album 'Rear tool post' for more pics.

George

Erratum.. '& run the lathe in reverse', should read 'run in normal rotation'

Edited By mechman48 on 22/04/2021 12:01:53

I use the same quickchange toolpost as the seven series lathes on mine. Usually mounted on a custom made toolpost as below. The original topslide is reserved for taper turning only. Makes for a very rigid setup…

My advice about the quickchange toolpost is that there are wide variations in quality out there if buying one new. Would recommend the Bison brand.

I made the saddle stop soon after purchasing the lathe and it is very useful. I drilled and tapped the mounting holes in the gearbox case which was quite easy and has caused no problems.

There is also a DRO fitted, with the magnetic track concealed within the cross slide.

The toolpost is solid and does weigh a bit, but it's a great mod to the lathe. The height is exactly the same as the original cross slide, which enables me to have a QC toolpost mounted permanently on both. The tools in their holders can then be fitted straight onto either, with no height adjustment necessary.

Too much of a coward to start drilling holes in the gearbox I'm afraid. However I might try to fix a plate to it with JB weld, suitable holes drilled first. Did you have any drawings?