The Myford Engineers' Blog

2011 Update.

2011-12-24T06:41:00.002Z

I acted as the virtual Webmaster for this Blog and the main Myford website. A new company has taken over the Myford product, and I am no longer involved.

A virtual Webmaster has many benefits for companies. Some are listed here.

Pay only for hours required.
Offers an independent view of an existing website.
Often has a greater understanding of resources, (many free) which can boost visitors.
Allows the company to use existing staff for other functions.
Not restricted to office hours.
Produce management reports showing marketing and sales results.
Marketing the website covers Blog postings, membership of appropriate Business Forums.
Monitor competitors websites and actions.
Report any negative publicity and take steps to correct.
Add resources to the site, including Spam free email forms, customer community, ticketing system.
Can answer emails which deal with the website.
Create and maintain all types of website sitemaps.
Time can be a few hours per month or as agreed, Fixed hourly rate.

You may think of other things.

If you would like to know more, please make contact.
See Business Networking and Website Sitemaps for additional information.

Drachsi

This Blog is no longer being updated

2011-11-13T08:48:00.002Z

For more information please contact www.drachsi.com

A Great Spring Show

2011-04-23T16:09:00.016+01:00

Great people, great weather and plenty to talk about, our Spring Show was something to remember and some great buys too. Not all of our Show Offers went during the three days so here is a link to what we have left. If you want anything from the list ring us or email us with SHOW PRICES followed by the item and price. Please remember there are limited quantities.

Here are a few pictures to remind those who made it and a flavor for those who didn’t.

A happy customer

Cherry Hill’s Stuart No 9

Bar stock on sale

Belt sander kit

Christopher Vine’s Bongo

Bongo under steam

Bongo

Derek Brown at work

Lathes for sale

More lathes

Mike Sayers’ Bently

Helicopter demo

Gas turbine power

Loco construction

Motor Cycle Restoration

Other used machines

SMEE stand

SMEE interest

Ornamental turning

Ornamental puzzles

Traction by John Littler

Watchmaking by Maurice Fagg

Watchmaking

The Boss serves cake

Collectors Corner

2011-01-21T11:59:00.005Z

At our Factory Open Days we have been selling workshop mugs decorated with the Myford name. The first was produced to celebrate 75 years of Myford and the second to coincide with the re-introduction of a historical Trade Mark to package our Genuine Spares.

Both were short runs of 300 and we have a few of each left. They have been popular and it has lead us to consider producing a third. Not sure what the next key event will be but something will happen that’s worthy of a workshop mug. If you want one of the remaining mugs they are £6.00 + p&p.

Email us.

New Website for Myford

2010-12-08T07:19:00.000Z

The start of something brighter

During the Model Engineering Show week our new, and improved, Website, www.myford.com will go live. Its aim is to present a portal for information about our tools, accessories and machines that is easier for you to access and easier for us to keep up to date. Along with it will come a monthly Newspaper we call Myford Engineering Update, its already got the name MEU. Like the website site its task is to help provide the fuller picture and to assist Myford users with a level of Technical Support we have only previously offered by phone.

Tell us what you think and what you would like in the next issue. Contact

Skill Centre launched at Autumn Show

2010-10-18T12:03:00.001+01:00

Want to improve your skills?

If you feel there is something more you want to learn come to Myford

Our successful Autumn Show proved to be a great place for old friends and fellow engineers. Ivan Law, Harry Paviour, Maurice Fagg, DAG Brown, James Hill, Peter Thomas, John Wilding and Roger Bunce all helped to put on a display full of fascination and excitement. It was also a chance to catch up with some engineering feats which included a return visit from the Gas Turbine Association. Put through its 120,000 rpm paces was Martin Kaye’s remarkable Helicopter which, at full chat, actually drowned out the Fairground Gavioli in our car park.

The pictures are courtesy of David Carpenter and more can be found on his ModelEngineeringWebsite.com Thank you David. The event also got an extensive write up from him too.

Come along and learn

We used the visitors at the Show to gauge response to our intention to open a Skills Centre at our Works in Nottingham. We will be offering courses of various levels aimed at supporting Myford users who want to increase their Turning Engineering skills. Numerous people showed interest and conversation ranged across the full three days and left us with the feeling that it really is a good idea and likely to be of value to many.

If you are somebody who didn’t get to have your say we would like to hear from you. Click on the ‘REPLY’ link below and tell us what you want to learn and we'll contact you in January 2011 with a list of options…REPLY

Also apologies to those who didn’t get a flyer and therefore missed the Show. Click on the ‘Show Mailing List’ link below and give us your email and address, we will contact you well before the Spring Show which will be in April 2011…SHOW MAILING LIST

Chris Moore, Myford MD (centre) chats with customers

Prof. Pete Thomas extols the virtues of the Polly locomotives

Roger Bunce and John Wilding

Polar Star by Mr. Bellamy

LNWR 0-6-2 express passenger tank – the ‘Watford Tanks’

DAG Brown demonstrates

Richard Allsop with a customer

Footnote: The winner of our Prize Draw was Mr. J. A. Donovan of Alconbury Weston, Huntingdon - congratulations we look forward to seeing you soon.

Guide to Inspecting Pre-owned Lathes

2010-09-19T14:24:00.003+01:00

Buying a pre-owned Myford Lathe?

Free booklet will help you check it before you buy

At Myford we have produced this short Guide intended to help people inspect and evaluate a used Myford Lathe before buying. Almost every used Myford Lathe is capable of being returned to it’s original specification, it’s a matter of time, skill and access to genuine components.

Here we tell you how to carry out a basic inspection and how faults are rectified when we carry out a Factory Rebuild.

Click here for an online copy or email us for a printed copy.

Changes to the Bed and Saddle Re-conditioning Service Effective 1st September 2010

2010-08-13T06:55:00.007+01:00

The full service is very popular and we have no plans to stop it, however we are ceasing the Bed only regrind service.

Over the years we have found that the lower cost option of regrinding the bed alone has unwittingly misled some buyers inspecting pre-owned Myford Lathes offered by used equipment suppliers. To many a smooth, clean lathe bed is a sign that the lathe has been cared for and not subjected to heavy wear.

This, as any engineer will know, is not necessarily the case, a ‘bed only’ regrind can hide a lot of wear indeed. Whilst superficially making things look better it can actually worsen the lathe’s standards of accuracy.

The nominal thickness of the shears (bedways) on a finished new Myford bed is approximately 0.5” (12.70mm). The maximum that may be removed from the top of the bed is 0.025” (.635mm) before complications occur in aligning the apron with the rack and leadscrew.

During a Myford ‘Factory Bed and Saddle Regrind’ metal removal is kept to a minimum, however it may be necessary to reduce the thickness of the shears between 0.005 (0.127mm) and 0.010 (0.254mm) to get back to a sound top surface. In theory it’s possible to regrind a bed between 2 and 5 times. Indeed, as our records show, this has been done for a number of customer owned lathes.

At Myford we have long considered it essential that if a bed regrind is to be carried out then the saddle must be also be ground and the fast edge scraped to give correct alignment. A worn saddle on a newly ground bed offers poor contact and it is not practical to improve this to the required standard simply by scraping.

To complete these grinding operations the various gib strips are re-worked to remove the effects of wear and the front and rear strips stepped to compensate for the reduction in thickness of the bed shears.

As from 1st September we will no longer take orders for regrinding beds only - believing it to be in the best interests of Myford owners and future Myford owners.

Every regrind of Bed and Saddle we undertake is thoroughly checked and inspected at refit. We offer a certificate to that effect and hold a record of all Serial Numbers dates and reports should future owners wish to check the history of their lathes with us.

Myford Technical Support

Myford MA71 Machine Vice

2010-07-23T14:58:00.019+01:00

It’s back

The original Myford Machine Vice with pivoting loose jaw is back. Reintroduced by popular request.

This little vice can be found in thousands of workshops around the world simply because it’s so useful. Well, now it is back on our shelves in profusion. It is ideal for mounting on all Myford cross slides, boring tables and vertical slide tables.

Jaw width opening is 39mm (1.535 inch) or 31mm (1.223 inch) with the loose jaw fitted. It is supplied complete with tommy bar and (15473) Set of 4 Tee Bolts with nuts and washers.

If you want one you can buy online from our Rebuilds website

www.myford-rebuilds.com or give us a ring and pay by Card.

It’s cheaper by £3.00 if you buy it online and it’s made by us in Nottingham.

The Part No is 20/292 and it is only £67.89 + VAT

Back Stop & Facing Tool for Super 7 and Big Bore

2010-07-22T17:02:00.012+01:00

“A Gift”

This is a Back Stop and range of Facing Backplates in a handy set. Recently called a “real gift” by one of the engineers who regularly buys Accessories from our Spares Counter. He also said it was a ‘well kept secret’. So we thought we should say a little about how useful he and others find it.

The set comprise 9 Flanges, a 2MT (4MT for Big Bore machines) body and a threaded spindle with stop nut. The pieces in the image above. A Kit under two part numbers, Part No 33/066 for the Big Bore and 254 spindle and Part Number 33/065 for the standard bore spindle Series 7 & 10.

When used without the Flanges it makes a very useful chuck back stop. With the flanges it becomes a useful aid for facing workpieces that are difficult to square in a chuck i.e. when chucking length is less than half its diameter.

In use the largest of the available Flanges, less than the diameter to be chucked, is selected. The Flanges have been made slightly below the fractional inch size, e.g. 1.730 dia for use with 1 3/4" dia location.

See instructions for use

Part No 33/066 Big Bore & 254 machines £97.84 + VAT

Part No 33/065 Series 7 & 10 machines £52.93 + VAT

You can order online at www.myford-rebuilds.com or ring us on 0115 925 4222.

Bed and saddle regrinds at Myford

2010-07-15T12:37:00.009+01:00

A word to the Wise

As many know this service performed at Myford is popular and adds years of accurate life to Myford Lathes that have become trusted friends to their owners. However there are limits. We did come across one bed we were unable to regrind and the measurements are interesting for those who are considering using the service themselves.

It involved an early Super 7 bed which was originally despatched, as a new lathe, from our works in late 1953. It was returned to us in 2007, after 50 odd years of continuous use. In came the bed with saddle and all associated parts. The owner earnestly requested a bed and saddle regrind but unfortunately we were unable to help.

A lathe bed manufactured in 1953 gave 50 years service, it is still in our works today.

The nominal thickness of the shears on a finished new bed is approximately 0.5” (12.70mm). When we regrind them we normally remove between 0.005” and 0.010”, the maximum that we can remove is 0.025” before complications occur in aligning the apron with the rack and leadscrew. In theory it’s possible to regrind a bed between 2 and 5 times. In fact our records show that this has been done for a number of customer owned lathes.

What caused the problem with this particular request was a dent in the bed approximately 0.075” (1.9050mm) deep and, of course, outside of the limits. All was not lost we were able to source a pre-owned bed which we reground and matched to the existing saddle. This lathe is still performing well today.

Many Bed and Saddle regrinds, and re-regrinds are carried out every year and nearly all fall within limits. The saddle also has its limits inasmuch as lubrication can become ineffective when the oil grooves become narrowed by heavy wear of the slide faces, something to be aware of if regrinding yourself.

Two points are clear, there are times when wear is beyond recovery - and one bad component doesn’t write off a lathe provided the work of repair is correctly carried out and inspected to reaffirm original standards have been restored.

We provide a full description of our Bed and Saddle regrind service together with a schedule of dates when the Beeston Works provides this service. Please visit http://www.myford-rebuilds.com/

Myford Technical Support

ER25 & ER40 Collet Nose Adaptors for the Myford Super 7 'big bore'

2010-07-08T13:36:00.012+01:00

Myford, this month, introduce new ER25 and ER40 Collet Nose Adaptors. These Adaptors are designed to provide current ‘big bore’ Super 7 users with an effective means of supporting the use of these popular sized collets.

Each assembly consists of backplate, collet nose adaptor, clamping nut and spanner/wrench with tommy bar.

Simple fitting: The adaptor is mounted on the backplate after the register has been final turned. The machined register ensures that the adaptor is accuracy to the lathe and will maintain so during frequent mounting and removals. A DTI is used to check the bore, any fine variation can be adjusted before the adaptor is locked permanently as a component of the lathe.

And finally for the Super 7 standard bore machines a ER25 Adaptor that replaces an earlier collet hol der with a similar two-part ,assembly developed to offer the same level of simplicity and reliable accuracy.

When adaptors are ordered with a new machine the fitting operation is carried out during final inspection at the Myford Factory.

Spares: The backplate component is common to all adaptors in the ‘big bore’ range and is available on our spares listings. Adaptors can also be ordered individually complete with retaining screws

Pt. No. 20/296 Myford ER 40 Collet Nose Adaptor for 'Big Bore' Super 7 machines. Price £137.96 + vat See fitting instructions

Pt. No. 20/295 Myford ER 25 Collet Nose Adaptor for 'Big Bore' Super 7 machines. Price £136.35 + vat See fitting instructions

Pt.No. 20/294 Myford ER 25 Collet Nose Adaptor for standard bore Super 7 machines. Price £80.34 + vat See fitting instructions

Please contact Sales at Myford Support or call +44 (0) 115 925 4222.

Myford Technical Support

An extended boring bar holder

2010-07-03T05:46:00.008+01:00

New from Myford, an extended boring bar holder

It’s New and its full name is The Wilmot Extended Vee Boring Bar Holder. An extended name for an extending tool that offers practical help when machining deep internal diameters. Where standard toolholders can’t provide rigid support the Wilmot can.

It moves the boring bar away from the topslide, provides greater visibility around the workpiece and provides the necessary rigidity. More

The Wilmot Extended Vee Boring Bar Holder. Part No 78175Q is priced at £33.16 +vat (£38.96 incl vat)

Order online through Myford Support or ring 0115 925 4222 or Fax 0115 943 1299

Technical Support Team

News Release: Myford Step-down Adaptor Assembly

2010-06-12T06:52:00.006+01:00

Myford Super 7 big bore users gets a Step-down Adaptor enabling the full use of standard bore equipment. (Part No 20/297)

Introduced this month is a newly designed adaptor that steps down the bigger 1” bore of the Myford Connoisseur machine to the smaller standard bore of the super 7. This is particularly welcomed by those Myford users who have traded up and who wish to use equipment brought to complement their original Super 7.

The step-down Adaptor is supplied with a backplate which requires the pre-formed register to be final turned to accept the adaptor. This ensures accuracy when the step-down adapter is fitted. Once installed the Adaptors accuracy can be relied upon regardless of the number of times it is mounted and removed from the spindle.

When adaptors are ordered with new machines the fitting operation is carried out during final inspection at the Myford Factory.

The Myford Step-down Adaptor is part of a range that includes ER25 and ER40 Collet Nose Adaptors. Further details and fitting instructions are available from our website. http://www.myford.com/

Spares: The backplate component is common to all big bore adaptors in the range and is available on our spares listings. Adaptors can also be ordered individually complete with retaining screws.

Part No 20/297 Myford Step-down Adaptor Price £99.02 + vat. See fitting instructions

Myford Technical Support

Harrogate 2010

2010-05-14T12:07:00.007+01:00

Three days of talking spares and Factory Rebuilds. The Model Engineering Show was a success from many points of view. If we missed you we're sorry and ask you to send us your contact details and we'll add you to our mailing list. Not just another mailing list, this one provides details of all the Myford Factory Rebuilt Lathes we have together with all those waiting for attention.

We currently have about 18 completed Factory Rebuilt Lathes with a further 10 waiting for slots. So if you are looking for a Myford Lathe that has been entirely rebuilt and guaranteed to meet the same standards of accuracy as when originally built look no further. At the foot of our home page you'll find an article describing, in detail, what happens during a Myford Factory Rebuild. www.myford-rebuilds.com

You can call in on us at our Nottingham Factory and pick up the next best thing to a new Myford and make a sizable saving at the same time. We also have a lot of pre-owned tools and accessories. If you can come great, if not try our newest website. We are working hard to get all the bargains in place. Within the next few months we will also have a Guide to the prices of pre-owned Myford Lathes and if you would like us to let you know when it’s available send us an email requesting a copy (email: sales@myford.com).

Spring opens with a Show at Myford

2010-05-07T14:47:00.028+01:00

Probably the most successful of Myford Spring Shows finished on Saturday 17th April. In continuous bright sunshine, over three days, many Myford, and would be, Myford users flocked to pick up a bargain and to learn advanced turning techniques from the many skilled engineers who were kind enough to demonstrate their abilities.

The show offered numerous pre-owned accessories and tools that had come to Myford during the trading year and a wide choice of Lathes and accessories at discounted Show prices. More than a handful of early birds picked up specialist equipment at special prices and a number of Rebuilt Lathes were snapped up. Over twenty Factory Rebuilt Lathes were available to suit all pockets and nearly half were sold or reserved by the Saturday. The remaining machines can be viewed on the Company’s website, www.myford-rebuilds.com along with other worthwhile buys.

Apart from the scale model Traction Engines the real thing steamed outside in the unseasonal warmth. Everything combined to create an enjoyable holiday atmosphere. Among the star attractions was James Hill, from the Gas Turbine Association demonstrating umpteen lbs of thrust at an earspliting rpm his remarkable model overwhelmed the venue and brought everything to a standstill.

Bongo, a 7 1/4" gauge LNBR B1 loco on blocks, by Chris Vine, steamed throughout the three day event and when not shovelling, Chris was answering questions from young enthusiasts about his successful series of children’s books, ‘Peter’s Railway’ (we have a few copies if anybody wants a gift for a bright youngster).

The Event gave everybody an opportunity to talk to the experts who build and judge the wining models at the various Shows and to pick up tips, Ivan Law head judge at SMEE and Harry Paviour Head Judge at the Model Engineering Exhibition swopped notes with several engineers from Myford. Engineers who build Myford Lathes today in the same shops where they were originally built in 1934 The tradition continues.

Sitting alongside of the original prototype Super-7 was the latest Super-7 Connoisseur fully equipped for the 21st century. Plenty to talk about there.

Amongst others who gave their time to visitors were Derek Brown, John Wilding, Terry Holt and David Clark, needing no introduction. Keith Hale, Phil Clements, Alan Cooper , Doreen Paviour and Kirk and Sandra Burwell. And the chaps from SMEE and the Nottingham Model Engineers Society.

The successful winners of our Prize Draws were Owen Samuel of York and Paul Lynch of Scunthorpe who turned up on his 1975 Norton 850. Thank you all and well done.

Buy from Myford online

2010-04-07T15:46:00.006+01:00

We are making it easier to buy Myford spares and accessories. Our new websites are being equipped with secure payment methods that allow you to buy what you need, when you need it. The first of those sites has just gone online, www.myford-rebuilds.com

With this site we are offering a range of Factory Rebuilt Lathes that you can reserve with an online deposit. As each lathe is unique it's helpful to know that once you have decided to buy that particular lathe you can secure it with a deposit. You then simply contact us to complete the purchase. Factory Rebuilds do offer excellent value as each has been back through our Workshops in Nottingham where it was originally built. This process returns the Lathe to its original standards and accuracy. It is fully inspected, certificated and Guaranteed like every new Myford Lathe.

Welcome to the Myford Rebuilds Blog

2010-03-18T09:52:00.002Z

Welcome to the Myford Rebuild Blog. Over the years many people have asked for a forum to exchange ideas and information about owning and using a Myford Lathe. We hope this Blog will go some way to satisfying that request. The team here at Myford welcome you.

My name is Chris Moore and I am the present MD at Myford. I am the third generation of the Moore family and follow in the tradition started in September 1934 by my grandfather Cecil Moore. Many remember my father John Moore and the continuous development of the best-known range of small lathes in the world. The tradition continues today with sales and support of lathes and grinders around the globe.

We have friends everywhere and, of course, all owners and users of Myford Lathes are a part of that exciting tradition.

This Blog will, we hope, close the gap between us all and offer the opportunity to chat about using and owning a Myford Lathe. So if you have operated a Myford for years or are just starting out, register now, tell us a little about yourself and start to swop information in the world of Myford Engineering.

I look forward to reading your messages.

Kind regards, Chris Moore