ML8 attachments

[hjc]

I've acquired a couple of attachments for my old Myford ML8 (a circular saw and mortice attachment), but I think I need to source an additional part in order to use them.

I'd assumed they'd attach in place of the tool rest, using the same parts, but they both look to need a hex bolt (see attached photo of the carriage from the saw) while the tool rest uses a square headed bolt.

Does anyone know where to source one? Are there other parts I'd need?

On a related note - I find reattaching the tail stock to be a fiddly un-fun job. If it (and the tool rest) have to be slid off each time one of the attachments are put in place it will be a big disincentive to use them. Can anyone who is using attachments with the ML8 comment on how they find it in practice?

 

[Trevanion]

I think my tool rest bolt holds down all the other attachments that fit on the bar but it's been a long time since I've looked at it, I'll have a rummage later to see.

 

[TFrench]

Sorry its no help, but I tried swapping the engineering cross slide onto my old ML8 once. I was such a pain in the backside I never bothered doing it again!

 

[hjc]

I think my tool rest bolt holds down all the other attachments that fit on the bar but it's been a long time since I've looked at it, I'll have a rummage later to see.

Thanks, that would be handy.

 

[hjc]

Sorry its no help, but I tried swapping the engineering cross slide onto my old ML8 once. I was such a pain in the backside I never bothered doing it again!

It take me a good ten minutes of trial, error, cursing and dropping things to get the tailstock back on. I'm hoping there's some simple trick I don't know that makes it easier.

 

[hjc]

Just taken another look, and it does indeed attach with the bolt from the tool rest (I'd forgotten there's a hex bit to that at the top).

Doesn't look elegant, but it does fit, so now I have a saw.

Swapping it in an out is a whole world of pain though.

 

[hjc]

Just spent an evening putting together this thing to help line everything up and hold it in place inside the tube while screwing the headstock bolt back in.

There's room for improvement, but it makes the job a whole lot easier. If any other ML8 owners would like the files to print I can post them.