HISTORY FOR SPARE PARTS IDENTIFICATION OF ML7 LATHE

History:
The ML7 lathe, was launched in August 1946.  The ML7 was so successful that it saw the immediate demise of its predecessor's, the ML2 and ML4.  The Myford "M" type, a Myford's version of the Drummond "M" type, was discontinued in the early 1950's.

Over its 33 years production run the ML7 stood the test of time remarkably well.  Whilst there were numerous minor changes, the number of major design changes were very few and these are listed below.

In July 1969 at serial number K90494 a cast lug was incorporated into the headstock.  The lug is situated just behind the spindle nose and it's initial purpose was to act as an anchor point for the optional lever operated collet attachment.  In later years the same point would be use as a pivot point for the chuck guard.

In May 1972 from serial number K107657, the existing carriage was converted from the narrow guide to the wide guide principle.  On the earlier machines the saddle located across the front two shears and on later models across the full width of the bed, the 5/8" dimeter leadscrew and die cast apron were retained.

From lathe number K108718 the cross slides were fitted with 5mm pitch self locking adjusting screws.

April 1973 saw the introduction of the new bed at serial number K111727, the redesign was necessary to accommodate the power cross feed apron on the Super 7 lathe.  At the same time the specification of the ML7 was uprated to incorporate 3/4" diameter leadscrew and cast iron apron as used on the pre-power cross feed Super 7's.

The last machine number K140848 left the fitting lines on the 31st January 1979.

It should be noted that long bed ML7 lathes were always fitted with a 3/4" diameter leadscrew and the saddle cross slide and top slide as used on the pre-power cross feed Super 7 lathes.

Please Note:  When ordering, kindly state the serial number and prefix letter of your lathe.  On earlier machines up to serial number K111727 this will be found on the rear shear of the lathe bed, at the tailstock end of the machine.  On later machines after serial number K111727 this will be found on the front of the lathe bed, to the left hand side of the rack.

HISTORY FOR SPARE PARTS IDENTIFICATION OF ML10, SPEED 10 & DIAMOND 10 LATHES

History:
The ML10 lathe was launched in 1968, as an inexpensive lathe, but a very serious machine tool.  It's market place was to be just above that occupied by a number of popular small lathes, which were suitable for modelling and model engineering on a very miniature scale.  The all important feature which put the ML10 well ahead of it's competitors, was it's capability.  If you could physically fit a piece of material between centres, instead of looking at it, you could actually machine it.
The first ML10 lathe left the production line on 14/10/68, and featured a hardened steel spindle, which ran directly in the cast iron bore of the split headstock bearing.

Design Changes:
The first major change cam in 18/01/78, when the headstock was converted to taper roller bearings from machine number V137261.
On 4/05/79, the first Speed 10 lathe featuring a two speed countershaft, was launched from machine number VSI43202M, this was followed a month later on 6/06/79, by the first long bed machine number VSL144264.
The diameter of the threaded R.H. end of the leadscrew was increased from 5/16" B.S.F. to 3/8" B.S.F., all Imperial machines from number V144354 and all metric machines from number V144464 had the new screw.
On 11/09/85 at serial number V159991, the lathe was fitted with two new raising blocks and a new countershaft arm.  The left hand raising block was extended rearwards to carry the new countershaft arm. This meant for the first time that the lathe left the factory as a complete machine and no longer needed any assembly.
From lathe number V167714M on 25/03/92 a long cross slide was fitted as standard on all machines.
The Diamond 10 was launched on 27/11/93.  This was the first time that Myford had offered a lathe direct to the public.  The ML10 and Speed 10 lathes were discontinued.

Please note:  When ordering, kindly state the Serial Number and Prefix Letter of your lathe.  This will be found on the front of the lathe bed, at the tailstock end of the machine.

SERIAL NUMBER

HISTORY FOR SPARE PARTS IDENTIFICATION OF PRE-POWER FEED SUPER 7, POWER FEED SUPER 7 AND ML7R LATHES

History:
The Super 7 lathe, was introduced in April 1953 to complement the already, very successful ML7 lathe.  Whilst virtually identical in capacity, the Super 7 incorporated a number of features within its standard specification that made it a truly outstanding machine, these were:-
A spindle, supported in a taper bronze front bearing and a pair of angular contact ball races at the rear, which for its size gives outstanding performance, this coupled to 14 spindle speeds gives an excellent and progressive speed range of 27-2105 r.p.m.  Over 40 years later there are many machines being marketed as screwcutting lathes, which have bottom speeds of 200 r.p.m. or so.This is just too fast for screwcutting.  Other features are backgear engagement by lever, a countershaft clutch unit, a larger cross slide with block type gibs, a fully swivelling topside, resettable friction dials on both cross and topslides, a self ejecting tailstock and a leadscrew handwheel.  Over the years there have been a great number of modifications made to the original design as part of our continual policy of planned improvement. 

The Major Additions and Changes are as follows:-
The first quick change gearbox became available in 1955.  The gearbox used soft gears and the leadscrew drive was on the right hand side of the gearbox.  In 1956, hardened gears were fitted to the gearbox.

In December 1956 the gearbox design was completely revised and from box number QC2501 the leadscrew passed through the gearbox and the drive was taken from the left hand side.

In June 1958 from machine number SK8128 the expanding sleeve clutch mechanism was changed to the current cone clutch.  The change involved redesigned motor and headstock belt guards.

Customers are asked to note that we regret we are no longer able to supply spares for the early gearbox and clutch units.

In May 1959, from machine number SK9167 the drip feed lubrication to the headstock was replaced with a wick feed system.

In August 1972 from machine number SK108891B the broad guide bed and saddle were introduced in preparation for the launch of power cross feed models in March 1974 from machine number SK115830.

In February 1975 from machine number SK120965 swing head oilite bushes were ground on the outside diameter.

In June 1975 from machine number SK122657 the bronze cross slide feed nut on power cross feed models was changed to hardened steel unit.

In December 1975 from machine number SK126004 the power cross slide feedscrew was modified requiring a larger counter bore in the corresponding micrometer dial.

In November 1977 from machine number SK136311 the power cross feed apron was redesigned incorporating an adjustable cam for the leadscrew half nuts.

In April 1977 from machine number SK142981 the colour of machine was changed from grey to green.

Today over 40 years after it was first launched we are continuing to improve the Super 7.  Apart from those items previously stated we can supply almost every spare part for these lathes.