Myford ML8 Indexing Plunger is broken

[okeydokey]

I've been asked to help someone who has a ML8 with an indexing plunger that plunges (smiles) but the pin bit that would engage in the holes in the spindle to lock or position the shaft seems to have broken off and is missing. I have checked and yes the plunger does fully move inwards towards the headstock.
Question how do you remove the broken plunger? could you use a bent at 90 deg pointy/pusher to push/force it out from the headstock would this work? Plus is there some sort of spring and ball bearing that clicks/locks it in position when it is plunged in or pulled out? Any ideas - next Q of couse when its out where I can get a replacement?
thanks in advance to all for reading and help.

 

[Harbo]

Sorry cannot really help but a replacement might be a job for a ML7?

Rod

 

[okeydokey]

Hi Harbo
Well that's another skill to learn then! last time I used a metal lathe was at school made a toasting fork on the forge (also some cold chisels), it had a threaded handle down to the bar/toasting fork bit complete with knurling - H&S doesn't let kids do such stuff nowadays.
Having looked at a diagram I found online there might be an allen grub screw- spring and ball bearing on the front side of the headstock which if removed should allow the plunger to be withdrawn well that the idea for later on

 

[Harbo]

It was just a roundabout way of saying finding a replacement is going to be very difficult unless someone is breaking a ML8 for spares.
They stopped making them years ago and Myford are no longer the company they were.
Went bust and bought up by RDG Tools (I think) which sell some bits for the ML7.

Rod

 

[okeydokey]

Solved - it transpired that the pulley although not spinning on the shaft was loose enough to be able to slide horizontally along the spindle shaft but only if you wriggled it. It had moved as far as possible away from the plunger so that the plunger couldn't engage with the index holes on the pulley. Moved and tightened the pulley/grub screws and the plunger now engages with the holes and does the job - I suspect that the tip of the plunger is missing but now does the job.

 

[Bernuk1]

As a total Newbie who is collecting a preloved ML8 on Tues-what is an indexing plunger,and what's it's function ?

 

[okeydokey]

Hi
A google for indexing ring on lathe might help?

Have a look at this link/page first.

http://www.woodworkersinstitute.com/page.asp?p=1117

Have a look at this site/link might be generally interesting about the ML8
http://www.lathes.co.uk/myfordwood

Here is a Utube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIMUkTACymg

Hope this helps, on the Myford it can be useful to lock the spindle with the plunger (which is a locking pin) so you can unscrew for example a faceplate or chuck, but don't over strain it or use to much force or it might snap.

 

[okeydokey]

Another thought
The lathe is not turning when you are using the indexing function!

If you turned say a bowl and want to decorate it in some way (drilling holes, painting etc.) at exactly the same intervals around say the perimeter then by using the indexing function and revolving the item (by hand) while it is on the lathe from segment/step to step or index hole to index hole you will have exactly the same intervals to make your decorating marks and the item will look consistently marked/decorated.
Hope this helps rather than confuses. Others feel free to make it more clear