Garage Gazette

TOOLS AND THE SHOP => MACHINE SHOP => Topic started by: nelstomlinson on November 06, 2021, 01:36:20 AM

Title: I just bought a lathe!
Post by: nelstomlinson on November 06, 2021, 01:36:20 AM
It's a Myford ML 3 or 4 or so.  It's old, and tiny, but that means I can make room for it on my bench. 3-1/2" swing, 9-ish over the gap, 20-ish inch ways, about 1/2" through holes. Flat belt drive. It's complete, comes with some tooling. It's infinitely better than no lathe at all.
Title: Re: I just bought a lathe!
Post by: goodfellow on November 06, 2021, 07:24:36 AM
Congrats on the new acquisition. Definitely a great addition to any shop.  :clap:

Take some pics and share the joy --- LOL
Title: Re: I just bought a lathe!
Post by: DeadNutz on November 06, 2021, 12:05:30 PM
Congrats on getting a lathe. Nothing brings joy like an addition to the shop.
Title: Re: I just bought a lathe!
Post by: jabberwoki on November 06, 2021, 02:01:14 PM
Pix or i didn't happen.
Title: Re: I just bought a lathe!
Post by: pep on November 06, 2021, 10:04:44 PM
You will do more then you think with that tool. Had to look up a picture. I knew a I recognized the name, nice machine, smooth castings.

Friend around the corner has one, accurate little beast............. enjoy. Buy tooling AS you need, for a purpose, will waste $$ if you guess.



Title: Re: I just bought a lathe!
Post by: nelstomlinson on November 07, 2021, 06:21:19 PM
It came with some carbide bits, and a couple drill chucks on 1MT shanks for the tail stock. Pretty sure I need a center drill and a 1MT dead center, then I should be in fair shape. I already have a bunch of drill bits with 1MT shanks to fit the tail stock, so if I need to drill something lengthwise I'm probably set, as long as it's something small.
Title: Re: I just bought a lathe!
Post by: pep on January 17, 2022, 06:37:55 AM
My friend has one of those, nice machines, if you're looking for indicates or holders.

Thining out some Starrett stuff, purchased and never used. Don't let the name scare you, not looking to make a killing. Just want to move it cause I don't use/need it.

PM me
Title: Re: I just bought a lathe!
Post by: nelstomlinson on February 13, 2022, 08:49:06 AM
PM sent, pep.
Title: Re: I just bought a lathe!
Post by: nelstomlinson on March 06, 2022, 10:15:34 AM
I can post a pic, it just has to be a small one.
Title: Re: I just bought a lathe!
Post by: nelstomlinson on March 06, 2022, 10:29:45 AM
I mounted the lathe and the motor on a chunk of 3/8" plate (painted white) and placed that on top of an old Mac toolbox. I got it lined up pretty close, and the flat leather belt stays on OK in the middle position. It runs off the pulleys FAST in the other two positions. I've managed to make some chips with it, and it works!

The fellow I bought it from had hooked up an old, open-frame washing machine motor. It has two hot wires, one for fast and one for slow speed. I can't see the difference between the speeds, don't have a tach. They're probably different, though. Anyway, I ran a power cord into a box, put a 1/2hp-rated SPDT sustained contact center-off switch in there, mounted it on the side of the toolbox on a bit of strut, so I can turn it on/off without having to reach over the lathe.

Pep sent me a heavy little box of carbide bits! They work great.  Thanks, Pep!
Title: Re: I just bought a lathe!
Post by: goodfellow on March 06, 2022, 10:35:02 AM
nice setup - congrats! did you also manage to grab any extra change gears that would allow you to do some basic threading?
Title: Re: I just bought a lathe!
Post by: slip knot on March 06, 2022, 12:18:06 PM
Thats a cool little lathe. Just right sized for home shop projects.
Title: Re: I just bought a lathe!
Post by: nelstomlinson on March 06, 2022, 03:59:39 PM
Haven't counted yet, but supposedly have a complete set of change gears. Definitely don't have back gears, though.
Title: Re: I just bought a lathe!
Post by: Uncle Buck on October 25, 2022, 08:10:58 AM
Myford machines have had a solid reputation a great machines and good performers through the years. That one looks great!