Rexvalter VF-118 lathe (was: old Myford Ml7)

[DennisCA]

The heaviest thing I have ever moved was my bandsaw, 500-600 kg probably. I had help from a local farmer who lifted it off the pallet with his tractors front loader. Then three people dragged it into position, from there it has not moved, nor is it likely it will. Had to remove the upper wheel and wheel enclosures to get it in the door:

I can get the lathe delivered pretty cheaply, I know a guy who runs his own small company, I was hoping he could get it straight into my shop on a pallet truck, then I got it inside I can figure out the rest later.

 

[DennisCA]

Believe I found the correct lathes.co.uk article for the storebro lathe:
http://www.lathes.co.uk/rexvalter/

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

I moved my S&B by myself...

No idea how much this cast iron cabinet weighs

View attachment 121722

Mine was near 800kg. Could have got it out the van on my own but roped in a couple of bodies for the final moment when I slid it on and down the ramp. Just to stabilise. Engine crane would have made it a doddle having a hi top van.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

I can get the lathe delivered pretty cheaply,

Does that mean you've struck a deal?

 

[DennisCA]

Does that mean you've struck a deal?

Sorry no, I meant if I get it, then I know where I can get cheap transport, via truck with a tail lift.

 

[FoxZulu]

@pdg Which model is your S&B?

 

[FoxZulu]

Dennis, That Storebro does look to be a nice machine despite the price. I guess prices are high in Finland due to a lack of machinery because of your small population. As you know the UK was once heavily industrialised, and now it no longer is there are quite a lot of solid old machines knocking about.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

I got mine in the back of the discovery - nearly sat on the bumpstops once all the parts were in

How many did it take to get it out again?

 

[DennisCA]

I went to visit and had a look at the lathe. My friends comments on it:

I was along to check out the lathe but I have too little skill in order to really judge everything for sure.

There is some noise in the headstock. It is heard in both speeds and sounds like a bearing going bad.

The bed ways has had a few hard bangs straight under the chuck but it is not so bad. When moving the saddle from end to end, there is a barely noticeable difference in that it moves slightly easier in the middle.

Cross-slide seems free of play.

The longitudinal and cross-feed function works.

It's hard to get in the gears engaged in the Norton gearbox. Should it be?

The machine does not seem worn, corners are sharp and so on. According to the seller, it had been in an electrical workshop

There was also a working coolant pump and nozzle.

 

[DennisCA]

More images

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

That looks very complete and well made. Any idea of possible bearing costs and type. If it hasn't been used and maintained is likely to sound a little noisy and hard to pinpoint with all the moving and meshing parts. I'd happily put that in my garage.

 

[DennisCA]

I came back a bit more uncertain than I left personally but perhaps I am overplaying those hits on the lathe bed, something has apparently fallen on it according to my friend, he also think it's an OK deal, should be 1-200 lower to be a solidly good deal, but seller won't budge and wants an answer tomorrow because there are others who have asked about the lathe.

The quick attach tool posts were really nice though.

I don't know to be honest. I also found an Arboga E100 for 800 euros, again my friend thinks it should be 700, I might get that if I don't get the lathe, a proper drill press would be good to have. He did think the Arboga wasn't as good a deal as the lathe in his opinion and on Arbogas I would rate him an expert.

 

[Richiew]

That looks very complete and well made. Any idea of possible bearing costs and type. If it hasn't been used and maintained is likely to sound a little noisy and hard to pinpoint with all the moving and meshing parts. I'd happily put that in my garage.

It's not cheap though considering the bed damage and bearing noise. I understand that lathes are dearer over where Dennis lives but the bed damage cant be repaired. Why is it being sold? Dennis, you have found a few lathes recently, keep looking. The bed damage will be a continuous annoyance to you if you were to buy it.

 

[DennisCA]

This guy apparently buys, renovates and sells machines, he has many of them, I don't know the original reason the lathe was sold. My friend seemed to think the bed damage wasn't bad, highspots needed to be removed though.

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

Are spares available.

From the sounds of your friends description the bed damage was more cosmetic as he says apron travel was smooth and consistent.

Did you turn any metal on it. A test bar would have given a good indication.

What's harder to find over there. Drill press or lathe in good complete order?

Sure somebody with a lot more lathe experience will be along soon.

The fact it has steadies. Chucks faceplates change wheels ect is a big plus. Could spend a lot of money finding those bits.

 

[Hood]

Bed damage is likely due to someone taking the chuck off and letting it fall. Not something I would be too concerned about personally as it is close to the headstock and as long as it does not protrude then it won't really affect things. If there are lumps then they can be stoned out.

Bearing noise, well that one is hard to call without being there to hear it, if it is smaller bearings then no probs, if spindle bearings then that would make me wary.

Arboga drills are the dogs danglers in my opinion, have used loads of drills of all makes and all sizes and shapes but the Arboga, although it doesn't look it, is a special drill and a dream to use. Not even sure what model mine is.

 

[Richiew]

The bed damage looks a bit brutal to me but if it is right under the chuck it might not affect the saddle travel in which case it is effectively cosmetic. I would definitely want to check the run out on the spindle considering the noise.

Hood is the expert here.

 

[Hood]

The bed damage looks a bit brutal to me but if it is right under the chuck it might not affect the saddle travel in which case it is effectively cosmetic. I would definitely want to check the run out on the spindle considering the noise.

Hood is the expert here.

Not n expert in anything I am afraid.

 

[Richiew]

Modest as well

 

[DennisCA]

We all turned a little bit of metal on it, I couldn't detect anything wrong. I had some issues getting the norton gear box into gears, but perhaps it won't work in any random combination of levers or I just didn't have the knack.