Myford ML8

[NoviceStew]

I've just been given long term loan of a 1965/66 ML8, owned by the late owner from his 21st birthday until his untimely death 6 years ago. His brother didn't want it to be scrapped but has no interest in turning, so it's been stored unused since then. I had a brief go at turning for a couple of years around 15 years ago with a bench mounted lathe but have forgotten everything, so will be looking for at least a days tuition, but in the meantime am finding out what help is available. So far I seem to have wound the tailstock too far out while cleaning it, and I can't get it to wind back in, the Record Power RP4000 self centring chuck I still have from my first lathe won't fit this one when I tried it on the large bowl spindle, there's a 3 pointed spike fitted in the headstock that I'm not sure is pushed in or threaded (either way it doesn't want to come out), and Myford don't have the ML8 listed in their collection of manuals for sale. I've e-mailed Myford with the latter query, but if anyone has the patience to help with any of the other problems I would be most grateful!

 

[wizard]

3 pointed spike fitted in the headstock will knock out put a steel rod in the other end of the headstock and hit it.

http://www.lathes.co.uk/MYFORDWOOD/

 

[parvum]

Hi Stew You have a first class piece of kit there, the tailstock spindle engages with a peg in the casting via a groove along its length. Try gently turning the spindle by hand holding the threaded part sticking out fom the wheel whilst pushing to the left ie towards the headstock.You should feel the groove engage with the rather small and weedy peg once you have felt this gently screw up the tailstock but go easy it is easy to burr or even shear the peg. if you get no joy doing this removeethe peg by unscrewing it, as you face the tailstock it is a screw head at about 3o'clock on yhe face of the casting facing you.It should be clear then how it all goes together bout if you get stuck give me a call on 01494716826

best regards
Paul

 

[Tazmaniandevil]

Try giving the headstock a bit of heat round the threads with a blowtorch, then drip penetrating fluid round the end nect to the drive centre and leave it to soak. Capillary action should help the penetrating fluid draw up inside the headstock. Use a knock-out bar to bang the drive centre out from the headstock.
For the tailstock, remove the locking screw and pop some penetrating fluid in there also. That should loosen the tailstock enough to allow it to start moving.

 

[NoviceStew]

Many thanks folks. What a forum!