A new toy: Myford lathe

[Big Beech]

So, after much deliberation over the years and no man cave as such, I didn't really have room for one.

Some friends run a charity for kids, and the lathe was owned by a ladies husband who worked for them. He unfortunately developed dimentia and was unable to safely use it. It was moth balled and his wife gave up work at the charity to care for him. He's passed away, and soon after his wife was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. She has recently passed too. The lathe was left to the charity to sell and proceeds back to them.

The lathe came back today from the charity for me to decide if I wanted it. It's a blue Myford Mystro 2 with a big box of tools and a part turned blank still attached.

Cost £300 but it's nice to give to the cause, so now looks like iam going to be wittling some wood !!

Will take some pictures of all the bits, and suggestions as to what I might need. What I may need is a friendly turner is West Sussex to get me started

[TheHungrySquirrel]

I'm a little further away in Kent but if you need any pointer just ask.

[Hairyloon]

Just chuck a piece of wood on it and play to start with. Sycamore is quite nice to turn and I'm sure you can find a bit of that.

[spandit]

Was turning a bit of holly on my Myford yesterday (albeit a metal turning lathe) - it's great to turn but now everything is covered in sawdust

[daveindales]

If your just starting out, try a bit of green wood to practice on. It's easier to turn.

[se7enthdevil]

hey big beech, glad to hear you've finally taken the plunge.

 

if you can make your way up to J7 of the M4 then i'm happy to help mate.

[Lazurus]

Welcome to the club..... Get quality tools and keep them sharp, makes life much easier, when you can, visit someone who can turn, may save a lot of the learning curve initially.

 

S.

[Big Beech]

Thanks Steve, very kind. Might well do if time allows.

Just fired the old girl up, runs sweet much quieter than I thought it would. Took all the tools and stocks off and gave everything a clean and put some grease on the bed as its. Bit rusty in places and knowing my shed gets a bit damp don't want it wasting away!

Put the bowl blank back on, poplar and had a wurl. Either that's poplar is god damn hard or the chisels are blunt but was hard going. Will wait until my father is off holiday to get them sharpened up.

Will post some pictures shortly

[Lazurus]

A good slow speed grinder with a white wheel, and if you can a sharpening jig for repeatable grinds is quick and effective, its all I have ever used. Have a holiday on the Broads and drop in for a play.

[se7enthdevil]

Thanks Steve, very kind. Might well do if time allows.

Just fired the old girl up, runs sweet much quieter than I thought it would. Took all the tools and stocks off and gave everything a clean and put some grease on the bed as its. Bit rusty in places and knowing my shed gets a bit damp don't want it wasting away!

Put the bowl blank back on, poplar and had a wurl. Either that's poplar is god damn hard or the chisels are blunt but was hard going. Will wait until my father is off holiday to get them sharpened up.

Will post some pictures shortly

 

poplar is soft stuff so either it's not poplar or you have blunt chisels.

 

using blunt tools can be a bit dangerous so sharpen everything first.

 

when do you think you may be able to visit?