Monday, 27 May 2024

Myford Super 7 Info

My Myford ML7-R is of 70s vintage and has been in my family since ~1982.  It was upgraded early in its life with all the parts you'd get with a long bed Super-7.  These upgrades include the long cross-slide, the spindle clutch and the quick change gearbox.

I subsequently replaced the single phase motor with a 3/4 hp 3 phase item and a Schneider Altivar VFD for speed control.

In order to convert the lathe to CNC use, I added ball screws for each axis - all the original parts are still available to put the machine back to its original configuration - see photos below.  The Z-Axis I designed and machined myself - details at this page, whilst the x-Axis was provided by cncyourmyford.com

On the CNC side, I use a fully licensed version of Mach3, running on a Windows 10 laptop via an Ethernet Smooth Stepper and a Leadshine MX3660.

Here's some video of the machine turning a spindle for my mill's automatic tool changer from EN8 steel.

Below are photographs of the lathe.  Click on any of the thumbnails for a hi-res, detailed image.  Click the button on the left of this page to see details of the Z-axis ball screw conversion or follow this link.

Long bed Super 7 with Myford stand	Quick change gear box	X-axis converted to ball screw for CNC operation	Gear box disconnected internally for CNC operation.	Myford quick change tool post
Z-axis ball screw conversion	Quick change tools with spare carbide inserts	Some more quick change tool holders	Knurling tools and spare wheels.	Original motor pulley. Replaced with 3 phase motor conversion
The original apron.	Original cross slide and top slide lead screws.	Cross slide is fitted with roller thrust bearings to improve feel and backlash.	Screw cutting gauge.	4 jaw chuck
Original z-axis lead screw and hand wheel. Fitted with roller thrust bearings at tailstock end.	Controller internals Schneider Altvar vfd, Leadshine MX3660 and Ethernet Smoothstepper	Schneider VFD 3 phase, variable frquency drive for 3/4hp motor.	Leadshine MX3660 Premier integrated controller for stepper motors and ancillaries. All powered by a generous 24V, 15A dc supply.	Another view Shows the rear of the wiring panel using screw in, DIN style circular connectors for all motors.

 

 

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This site was last updated 05/27/24