Myford ML7 Headstock bearings

[The HarperParticipant @theharper]

[The HarperParticipant @theharper]

Hi,

 

I don’t know if it is possible, but is there a modification to the ML7 head stock bearings? Is there a thrust bearing modification rather than the white metal bearings that were fitted as standard? I would love to get rid of the rather annoyingly obtrusive and slightly leaking (even with PTFE tape) oilers!

 

I apologise if this is a ridiculous question.

 

Paul 

 

 

[RobboParticipant @robbo]

White metal bearings are no longer available, but I think that Myford’s replacement still needs the oilers, and costs the proverbial arm and leg.

 

If its the obtrusiveness that bothers you, you could step back in time and fit the previous generation of metal oil cup with a wick, just twist the lid open and fill it up every time you start turning.   They are only about 5/8ths high

 

[The HarperParticipant @theharper]

Thanks for the reply Robbo,

 

Unfortunately I think you may have the wrong end of the stick.

 

I want to do away with oilers all together and fit needle roller bearings that require little or no lubrication, as per my other lathes. I just wondered if anyone had done something similar, or if it is feasible to fit a Super 7 headstock if I were to come across one for example?

 

Thanks for your time though.

 

Paul

[chairmanmickParticipant @chairmanmick]

You could fit the mk1 super7 headstock to the ml7 bed, same bed, but you would have to also fit the super 7 motorising bracket, countershaft and pulleys as well, better off buying a super7.  You mention ptfe tape , Is Your problem that you are not throttling the oil control correctly, if you  have to fast an oil feed, the oil will build up above the bottom of the sight glass lower edge and leak through the sight glass suround ! Being a total loss lubrication system it will always leak a bit around the bearing sides, but i reckon your main problem is giving it too much oil in the first place, a drop a minute max! cheers, mick.

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