ML7 restoration project

[matt_ml7Participant @matt_ml7]

Hi, all.

I collected a Myford ML7 today along with a number of accessories. Serial number suggests 1952-53. I've been recommended this forum as somewhere I might seek help if needed.

I've never used a metal lathe before, though I've spent many (many) hours watching videos of both casting and machining. I made a conscious decision a few years ago not to go looking for one, but this week one came to me. The gentleman owner passed away last year and on a mutual friend's recommendation, his daughter has very generously gifted it to me.

I own a few older machines already – a Pacera drill press I use regularly, a Milford wood lathe a Wilkinson cabinet saw both currently in storage. It's mainly wood I've worked with – just a hobby but relatively well equipped. The unexpected additional of the metalworking lathe to the workshop is wonderful.

Due to its current condition, it'll be a while before it's ready to run, but restoration is half the fun!

Any pointers towards particularly helpful resources would be appreciated.

Best wishes,

Matt.

[matt_ml7Participant @matt_ml7]

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Hi Matt,

Welcome to the forum!

Neil

[Jon GibbsParticipant @jongibbs59756]

Hi Matt,

Welcome to the forum. In addition to this forum, I can recommend the myfordlathes Yahoo group as an additional source of information.

I would also recommend that you get hold of a copy of the book "Myford Series 7 Lathe Manual: ML7, ML7-R, Super 7" by Ian C. Bradley, which is available from Amazon, postage free, for £8.

HTH

Jon

[David George 1Participant @davidgeorge1]

Hi Mat welcome to the forum. What are you interested in and lots of help on the forum maybe you could put some pictures on.

David

[J HancockParticipant @jhancock95746]

Most of all remember, " if it ain't broke, don't fix it'.

[matt_ml7Participant @matt_ml7]

Thanks, Neil/David!

Thanks, John. I've got two books to hand – The "M.E." Lathe Manual by Westbury (1951) and How to run a lathe by O'Brian (1942/2013), neither specific to the ML7 though.

Posted by J Hancock on 05/02/2018 08:55:37:

Most of all remember, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it'.

Yes. It's hard to imagine anything but a full tear-down at which point everything gets cleaned and re-protected. I'll put your comment up on the wall.

[Don CoxParticipant @doncox80133]

Matt

I've trodden a similar path with an ML7 (1949 vintage, ten years ago) and last year a 1963 vintage S7.Things I found useful to know/do were; get the copy of the original user manual from the Yahoo group files, use a wire brush in an angle grinder to strip off the old paint. The ML7 was just painted, the S7 had large amounts of body filler spread over the castings. (don't use a cup brush, use a wheel type, it's less likely to overload the grinder), look at Stationary Engine Products to buy paint. primer, thinners. Lawrence Sparey's "The Amateur's Lathe" is worth a look and written in the language of the time when the lathe was new. If you've not looked at it already http://www.lathes.co.uk has a very comprehensive piece on Myford 7s.

Good Luck

Don

[matt_ml7Participant @matt_ml7]

Thanks, Don. Great stuff!

Useful lubrication and inspection charts in the Yahoo group, as well as the scan of the manual.

I've contacted the previous owner in case we have missed any small parts. It would be a shame for anything to be separated at this stage.

[roy entwistleParticipant @royentwistle24699]

Matt Just a word of warning Don't leave the chuck key in the chuck ( As per first photo )

Roy

[matt_ml7Participant @matt_ml7]

Posted by roy entwistle on 05/02/2018 11:36:55:

Matt Just a word of warning Don't leave the chuck key in the chuck ( As per first photo )

Roy

It stands out like a sore thumb, doesn't it – embarrassed I even took the photo like that.

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Things worth looking up (use the google search box half way down the home page) are:

• How to get a stuck chuck off without breaking anything.
• How to clean out the lubricators and what oil to use.
• How to adjust the spindle bearings.
• How to 'level' the lathe for maximum accuracy.

Plenty to get stuck into and a machine worthy of the attention.

Neil

[HopperParticipant @hopper]

Posted by matt_ml7 on 04/02/2018 23:20:04:

…I've never used a metal lathe before,…

… Due to its current condition, it'll be a while before it's ready to run, but restoration is half the fun!…

Welcome to the forum, Matt. Looks like a good score in your pictures. It appears to not have been badly abused, just showing signs of aging paintwork and a bit of surface rust from sitting unused. Given your lack of experience, you might be best to do a minimal tidy up — basically clean it and lubricate it with minimal dismantling — rather than a full restoration. Get to know the machine and use it a bit while its in its natural state, and develop your skills as you go.

My son and I just got done with fully overhauling a 1957 ML7 and it turned into a major job (for him!) once you start digging into them. It's not a job for the beginner. (I had some experience in the field via work etc.) So if there is anything I can help you with, post away on the forum. Plenty of other Myford owners with more experience than myself on here too.

[Richard S2Participant @richards2]

Welcome Matt. To be given it is surely a major advantage. to be gifted a machine that is worth cleaning up and in reasonable condition under the dirt 'n' surface rust with all those accessories is a real bonus.

I had to pay for mine (1949 ML7) years ago and it had been heavily abused (Saw cuts in the Ways). Took a lot of work to get back into a reasonably useable condition, but enjoyed the challenge and learning curve with no prior experience.

Clean it and use it before seeing what else it needs. But most of all enjoy it!.

[matt_ml7Participant @matt_ml7]

Posted by Neil Wyatt on 05/02/2018 12:10:56:

Things worth looking up (use the google search box half way down the home page) are:

• How to get a stuck chuck off without breaking anything.
• How to clean out the lubricators and what oil to use.
• How to adjust the spindle bearings.
• How to 'level' the lathe for maximum accuracy.

Plenty to get stuck into and a machine worthy of the attention.

Neil

Cheers, Neil.

4-jaw came off with hand-pressure on the belts and a spanner to a large hex nut in the jaws.

[matt_ml7Participant @matt_ml7]

Posted by Hopper on 05/02/2018 12:11:16:

It appears to not have been badly abused, just showing signs of aging paintwork and a bit of surface rust from sitting unused. Given your lack of experience, you might be best to do a minimal tidy up — basically clean it and lubricate it with minimal dismantling — rather than a full restoration. Get to know the machine and use it a bit while its in its natural state, and develop your skills as you go.

A fair point. It was used a lot to turn wood, so there's a lot of oily sawdust both on the surface and in the cavities. Most of that should clean off readily.

Earlier, I realised I could do with it running to make a tool to press the Jacob's chucks apart.

[matt_ml7Participant @matt_ml7]

Posted by Richard S2 on 05/02/2018 13:21:20:

Welcome Matt. To be given it is surely a major advantage. to be gifted a machine that is worth cleaning up and in reasonable condition under the dirt 'n' surface rust with all those accessories is a real bonus.

I had to pay for mine (1949 ML7) years ago and it had been heavily abused (Saw cuts in the Ways). Took a lot of work to get back into a reasonably useable condition, but enjoyed the challenge and learning curve with no prior experience.

Clean it and use it before seeing what else it needs. But most of all enjoy it!.

Well said – they said it was well looked after. Unknown how long he had – it may have been obtained when his employer closed, or not. I am very fortunate to have received this.

There are no broken teeth – the topslide micrometer dial is bent so it will need to be flattened – I'll clean up the bed and cross/topslide ways. The counter shaft is dry, main spindle is not awful, leadscrew is beautifully smooth.

Nevertheless a good list of things to do before powering. Electrics known to be faulty due to water ingress at the sockets.

[Pete RimmerParticipant @peterimmer30576]

Well done Matt, you got that for a great price

Since you are a raw novice to machines and machine work it might be worth mentioning your location. You never know, you might have a seasoned machinist/forum member right on your doorstep who would be willing to cast their eye over your machine and offer up some sage advice in person.

[matt_ml7Participant @matt_ml7]

Posted by Pete Rimmer on 05/02/2018 19:12:24:

Well done Matt, you got that for a great price

Since you are a raw novice to machines and machine work it might be worth mentioning your location. You never know, you might have a seasoned machinist/forum member right on your doorstep who would be willing to cast their eye over your machine and offer up some sage advice in person.

Thanks, Pete.

[Annia PalmerParticipant @anniapalmer22032]

Hello Matt,

Welcome to the forum.

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