Myford ML10 or EMCO Compact 8?

[Higgins94]

Hi, basically im looking for some opinions of both the Myford ML10, and EMCO Compact 8 - i have a small outbuiling that comes with my flat.
there is only one area where the floor is level enough to put a lathe, in the future when i have the funds i plan to sort the floor out but for now,
ive gott figure out which one to set up, they are both in good condition and been well cared for, the myford is on a cabinet but the EMCO needs a base making.
So i will put it out there, which would you chose and why?

 

[C-Bag]

Unfortunately neither has a quick change gearbox. Having to change gears to change feeds is really inconvenient. I think the Emco is a more precise machine but it’s other drawback is it has no backgear or tumbler so like my 9x20 (which is somewhat based on the 8) you can’t cut lefthand threads and with no backgear it can seem mighty fast for doing threads.

So all things considered along with the ML-10 has a stand I think that’s what I’d go with but the nice thing is the Emco is pretty small so you can possibly stash it under the ML-10 bench. YMMV.

 

[SouthernChap]

Hi, basically im looking for some opinions of both the Myford ML10, and EMCO Compact 8 - i have a small outbuiling that comes with my flat.
there is only one area where the floor is level enough to put a lathe, in the future when i have the funds i plan to sort the floor out but for now,
ive gott figure out which one to set up, they are both in good condition and been well cared for, the myford is on a cabinet but the EMCO needs a base making.
So i will put it out there, which would you chose and why?

Do you already own both or are you looking at buying one or the other?

One likely difference between the two will probably be the spindle bore. The Myford ML7 and Super7 both have bores of 19/32" and I don't think (although could be wrong) that the ML10 is any bigger. The Compact 8 is I think, 20mm.

Honestly though, it does seem from my previous reading around that both have drawbacks that make them less preferable to other small lathes of the period (i.e. when small lathes were just that, smaller in work envelope but still fundamentally as capable of quality work without significant work to improve, fettle and upgrade).

Unless you already own both, or can get either for a significantly cheap price, I'd suggest doing the work on the floor to make it suitable for better alternatives, and keep an eye out for a sensible deal on a Boxford ('A', 'B' or 'C' models) or a Myford ML7 or Super7 or even perhaps a Colchester Bantam, if you could fit it in.

If you really, absolutely, completely, can't wait (and I'd say you'd be much better off if you can wait), then I'd consider the ML10 and live with the unfortunately small spindle bore.

Here are the links to Tony Griffiths' articles on each lathe:

Myford ML10, "Pony" & "Warco" lathe

With a 3.25" centre height and 13" (later 18

www.lathes.co.uk

Emco Compact 8 Lathe & Clones

Emco Compact 8 Lathe<br>- also badged as the Craftsman 549 -

www.lathes.co.uk