Newby alert !

[Rctintin]

Hi all, I have just joined this forum having followed a link from another forum.

I have a Myford ML7 that's in the process of being converted to semi CNC with an ELS kit, and once I have learned to use cad/cam it will be used with Mach4 CNC.

I also own a Downham Mini Borer, a very nice piece of kit that came from the RR factory in Filton, Bristol (UK)

I'm looking forward to looking through the build threads on here, and learning new things along the way.

Cheers for now, Rob.

 

[Dave Sohlstrom]

Please tell us more about your CNC conversion of the Myford.

Dave

 

[Roboguy]

Hi and welcome!

As the owner of a Myford Super 7 I would also definitely be interested in hearing more about your CNC conversion.

Cheers
James

 

[Rctintin]

Hi, sorry, been a very busy week at work, so not had a chance to reply.

The mechanical conversion is as depicted in Model Engineers Workshop issue no 138,139,141&142 (well 138 & 139 as the other 2 are more about Mach3)

I'm not going full CNC at the moment, but the modifications will allow this (I intend on using Mach4 as its new and USB based) What I have started building is an ELS (Electronic Lead Screw) unit, so that I can turn any thread I wish without the use of a gear box or change wheels. because my Myford is an Imperial machine, but I prefer to use Metric threads where I can, this will allow me to not use the Imperial Lead Screw, but base it per revolution of the headstock.

Here are some links for you to see....

http://medw.co.uk/wiki/ELS+Price+List

http://autoartisans.com/ELS/

There is a builders group on Yahoo groups, this also has a good Library of info and pictures https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/E-LeadScrew/info

 

[Roboguy]

Hi Rob,

Thanks for posting that information on the ELS. That's certainly quite interesting and a clever way to solve the imperial vs metric thread cutting conundrum!

I'll be filling that information away for the future. I'm considering adding DTOs to my lathe at some point. I see that as a good compromise between improving the accuracy I will be able to achieve with my machine, but still retaining the challenge and gratification that comes from manual control.

Cheers,
James Fitzsimons

 

[Rctintin]

Glad you found it of use. Of corse the great thing about the ELS conversion is that you retain the hand wheels on your lathe, so if you have something that need 'manual' turning, it's not an issue, but when you wish to use the ELS for threading, taper turning etc, you just use that.

I'll start a build log once I'm actually assembling everything onto my lathe, so people can find it rather than it be in this Newby forum.

Cheers, Rob