© Graham Howe 2012
This lathe has been the mainstay of the workshop for over 40 years. I bought it from new in
1969. Although it has been modified to incorporate new features the bearings are original,
as are most parts. Features added: Gearbox; Alternative clutch arrangement; Quick release
and auto release of screw cutting engagement; rear tool post; four way tool post (George
Thomas design); Rear drop-on tool post (dovetail mount); Rear table mount for long taper
turning gear.
1969. Although it has been modified to incorporate new features the bearings are original,
as are most parts. Features added: Gearbox; Alternative clutch arrangement; Quick release
and auto release of screw cutting engagement; rear tool post; four way tool post (George
Thomas design); Rear drop-on tool post (dovetail mount); Rear table mount for long taper
turning gear.
I decided to buy a new lathe to accompany the Myford and hopefully provide the ability to
machine larger size materials. The lathe is a Warco BH600G which is basically of the
same format as the Myford complete with a herring-bone back gear. The lathe is
substantially bigger in mass when compared with the ML7 but not much bigger in footprint.
Since the lathe has been installed it has proved it is both accurate and powerful.
machine larger size materials. The lathe is a Warco BH600G which is basically of the
same format as the Myford complete with a herring-bone back gear. The lathe is
substantially bigger in mass when compared with the ML7 but not much bigger in footprint.
Since the lathe has been installed it has proved it is both accurate and powerful.
Originally I made the Dore Westbury (Mk 1) but found it too limiting on table space. I replaced
this with an Eastern mill-drill import which I modified but have now have upgraded once more.
The new machine is a better engineered mill when compared to the Mill/Drill and has the
added advantage of a variable speed inverter and DRO. (recently the DRO failed and has
since been replaced with a Sino unit).
This machine came fitted with a speed inverter and 3 phase motor. The speed inverter has
immediately proved to be a big success and in conjunction with a selection of belt drives I
can now obtain a wide range of speeds and still retain full torque.
this with an Eastern mill-drill import which I modified but have now have upgraded once more.
The new machine is a better engineered mill when compared to the Mill/Drill and has the
added advantage of a variable speed inverter and DRO. (recently the DRO failed and has
since been replaced with a Sino unit).
This machine came fitted with a speed inverter and 3 phase motor. The speed inverter has
immediately proved to be a big success and in conjunction with a selection of belt drives I
can now obtain a wide range of speeds and still retain full torque.
Myford ML7 lathe
Warco BH600G lathe
626 Milling Machine
Drilling machine
Other
This machine is a first class industrial drill with the name Gima and I think supplied or made
by Bergman Borr, Sweden. I came by this drill as it was left abandoned because it had some
missing gears. After a short discussion I left with the drill in pieces and later found a kind
gear maker who generously made the new gears for me at a low price - I think he knew I was
a hard up and said as I had gone to the trouble of working out the gear size etc. he was
pleased to help me. The machine has an integral 3 phase motor built in and so I use a
makeshift converter and a slave 3phase motor. A superb drill and a major asset! I think the
drilling machine is one of the most important machines in a workshop.
by Bergman Borr, Sweden. I came by this drill as it was left abandoned because it had some
missing gears. After a short discussion I left with the drill in pieces and later found a kind
gear maker who generously made the new gears for me at a low price - I think he knew I was
a hard up and said as I had gone to the trouble of working out the gear size etc. he was
pleased to help me. The machine has an integral 3 phase motor built in and so I use a
makeshift converter and a slave 3phase motor. A superb drill and a major asset! I think the
drilling machine is one of the most important machines in a workshop.
Other machines used in the workshop are:
Surface grinder well worn and probably built pre-war. Although basic it has proved to be a useful
machine to finish grind machined surfaces to fine limits.
Gear Cutting machine - this is a prototype gear cutter machine based on the Sunderland gear
planing process. Although used infrequently, when needed it is a valuable asset.
Tool Cutter and Grinder - this machine is made from a kit of castings based on the Stent design.
Currently the machine has been completely over-hauled and will be the subject of a separate
project.
Lastly, the main bench layout area which comprises a large cast iron surface table and several
height gauges.
Surface grinder well worn and probably built pre-war. Although basic it has proved to be a useful
machine to finish grind machined surfaces to fine limits.
Gear Cutting machine - this is a prototype gear cutter machine based on the Sunderland gear
planing process. Although used infrequently, when needed it is a valuable asset.
Tool Cutter and Grinder - this machine is made from a kit of castings based on the Stent design.
Currently the machine has been completely over-hauled and will be the subject of a separate
project.
Lastly, the main bench layout area which comprises a large cast iron surface table and several
height gauges.
