Revision as of 19:12, 17 January 2016

Our Myford super 7

Summary

We have a Myford super 7 lathe kindly donated on a long-term loan by Martha Levine. It is a quality machine in fair condition but it is capable of causing severe injury so it must only be used by those trained to operate it safely. The 'owners' are responsible for training new users and ensuring that it is maintained in a safe condition.

Using the lathe

The Myford is a metal turning lathe capable of machining circular cuts in material up to about 18cm (7 inches) in diameter and about 45cm (18") long. We also have vertical slides so milling operations can be performed on material up to about 10cm (4") cubed. The lathe is solidly built so with care micrometer level precision can be obtained. We now have a good selection of cutting tools and work handling apparatus so a wide range of different cutting operations can be performed on a wide range of materials. Some of our accessories are listed at [Accessories]

Health and Safety

The workpiece is spun at high speed with great force. Clothing or hair caught in the workpiece will not slow the motor! Before starting take time to check there is nothing likely to be caught in the machine.

Sharp edged chips can be thrown off the workpiece at high speed so eye protection is important.

The chuck key left in the chuck when the motor is started could become a missile. Before starting the motor make sure the chuck, and anything mounted in it, will not hit anything.

Metal turnings have very sharp edges. Avoid touching them whenever possible and use the brush provided to clean up the swarf.

To achieve real safety operator attitude is key. Trying to achieve unrealistic goals in limited time is the prime cause of accidents. Please take the time to plan your work and gain sufficient knowledge to perform it safely.

The risk assessment is at Equipment/lathe/RA.

Owners

The owners are experienced users who have volunteered to ensure members know how to safely operate the lathe before they become approved users. Their next responsibility is to ensure the lathe is in a safe usable condition. Time permitting, they will advise users on how to make best use of the lathe.

So far the owners are;

• Roger Smith
• Robert Copcutt

Training

To get the required training to become an approved operator please contact one of the owners.

The owners will help users make the best use of the lathe but it must be emphasised that learning to take full advantage of all the capabilities of it takes months of practice. The owners have limited time so members will need to take responsibility for much of their own training. More details about the training can be found at

• Lathe Training

Instructions

There is a book, "Myford series 7 manual", by Ian Bradley available in the workshop (please do not remove it). We also have a Lathe safety manual from the CRC. These provide a comprehensive guide to using the Myford. If you want to use the lathe, or simple know what it can do, please have a look at these publications - in Makespace.

Maintenance

The lathe bed should be frequently brushed clean and re-oiled to minimize wear on the precision slides.

Three of the bearings have oil pots that need topping up occasionally.

The two drive belts need replacing if they get worn or damaged.

Peripheral tools and accessories

Photo-list of current lathe accessories.

Running the lathe will require many accessories, there is a suggested list here:

http://www.mini-lathe.com/Mini_lathe/Accessories/accessories.htm

Lathe Inserts (replaceable cutting tips)

There are selection of replaceable cutting inserts for the lathes. Replaceable inserts reduce the need sharpening and grinding of custom tools. They can be purchased from:

http://www.glanze.co.uk/acatalog/Replacement_Inserts___Spares.html (please feel free to list other sources)

The list below is provided as a guide if anyone needs to purchase replacements.