www.myfordml7.co.uk

26th January 2009 session 7 

Well I seemed to have missed writing up a few sessions, either that or progress has been slow. Perhaps it's a bit of both. Using the list above, the sheet metal (item 5), raised blocks (item 6) has been completed. So a start was made on reassembling the lathe by attaching the bracket that holds the counter shaft (takes the drive from the motor) and electric motor mounting pad, to the lathe body. 

The countershaft then became the focus of my attention. The first task was to remove the old iolite bushes, so a brass drift was turned to allow the bushes to be tapped out. It was then that I found that instead of one bush each side, there were two! So I needed to order two more from Myford and since I needed to make an order I added a set of 10 new 2BA oilers to it. Whilst it will take a few days to arrive, there is plenty of work still left to do! 

Putting the countershaft to one side I decided to fit the new electric motor and do the wiring needed. A new pin for the motor bracket had to be turned to replace one that was missing when the lathe was received. Also there was a grub screw that held against the pin that was damaged, so it was drilled through and a stud extractor tool used to remove the outer side of the grub screw.

New grub screws were then cut to size and fitted to the aluminum casting(s). Having attached the motor bracket the new electric motor was placed upon it and one problem then clearly became visible. The input holes for the electric cable to the 3 phase motor were in the wrong place. Removing the top screws to the wiring box mounted on the motor, you see that this problem was easily resolved by removing the box outer shell, and turn it around to suit the side you wanted, so this was quickly resolved.

Once the bracket was attached to the lathe bed I made a start on wiring up the new drive system. To help, all the lids were removed from the inverter, remote control and electric motor before making a call to the suppliers for guidance on how to wire up the three components. 

Dave from Indirect Drives was very helpful and patient! I made a diagram and read that back to Dave. Then a start was made by stripping the four core wire and attaching it to both the inverter and the electric motor, changing bars around the electric motor side.

Tomorrow I will carry on with the wiring and get the system running before fitting the electric motor to the lathe motor mount.

27th January 2009 session 8.

Today I started by looking at the leadscrew and how I would make the bushes. I am still undecided as to what to do at the tailstock end but the headstock end requires a new shaft made and the bearings fitted to the aluminum housing are quite thick. Far more so than those supplied by Myford for the countershaft. Those are oilite bushes and I am not sure what those in the ead screw are. I could ream them to a convenient size and make the shaft to fit or I could make new bushes and bore them to the correct shaft size. I must admit that I am leaning towards new bushes and the correct size shaft.

Putting this to one side I carried on wiring up the motor, inverter and remote control box to Dave's directions. I managed to get to just one query when reading my scribble. So a call was put in to Drive Direct, Nottingham to check the wiring was correct before switching on and dealing with the programming of the Inverter.

I must compliment Dave on both his knowledge and ability to get the information across. After clearing up the wire I couldn't read on my scribble pad the motor was switched on and whilst nothing happened I was told by Dave that that in fact was a good sign!

After step by step directions by Dave the motor was not only running silently, but the variable control was great. I am very pleased with the set up I have got even if I spent a little more than I planned for. The control and engine of this lathe will certainly not be its weak point.

Dave was extremely busy at the time of my wiring up, giving help to other customers BUT they never failed to call back, ever. Many other firms could benefit from there example. So a public thank you Dave.

The next task was to plan where the inverter and remote control box would be positioned. The inverter was quickly sorted out and screwed the the wall by the power socket outlet. The control box is a little more complicated as until the lathe is working properly its a little difficult to decide on its final position so I placed a clamp on the bench in the place I think will be ok, but I shall make a fixture to hold it and finally fix after a little practical experience shows me the best operating place.

The next task I have started is to make the pulley fit the shaft and cut the keyway so hopefully tomorrow the pulley will be ready to be fitted to the new motors shaft. General photo's of the new electric motor.