The MYFORD ENGINEERING COMPANY (later to be changed to Myford Limited) was founded in September 1934, by the late Cecil Moore, at the present site and is presently headed by his grandson Mr. Christopher Moore.

The company was formed to fill a need for small, inexpensive metalworking lathes. Manufacture commenced with a 3" height machine, which became very popular.

The success of this original ML1 machine led to further Myford models and the manufacture of a whole range of similar machines under other brand names. World War II, brought a change to manufacture of Drummond lathes, poppet vale grinding machines for military use and special purpose machines for munitions production.

 

THE ML7 - The wider expertise acquired during the war enabled a more ambitious lathe project to be developed and the famous ML7 lathe was introduced in 1946. This machine was geared for quantity production (upwards of 400 machines per month) die-casting techniques and extensive tooling were used to hold down the cost.

Series 7 - The availability of better lathe tools led to a demand for higher spindle speeds and the development of the Super 7 lathe. This machine introduced a spindle/bearing arrangement unique to Myford, which provided rigidity and control far better than current designs. The principles involved are still applied to Myford lathes and cylindrical grinders today.

Series 10 - Recognising that the Super 7 lathe had taken the main product into the more expensive price range, a new machine was introduced which reflected the original low-cost philosophy. The Series 10 was designed to offer the same original facilities as the ML1, but with refinements and taking advantage of better manufacturing techniques.

As part of a rationalisation process, manufacture of the Series 10 range has now ceased.

Series 254 - Having established models which filled the small to medium range, it was decided to introduce a machine of greater weight and power, but still compact and quiet running - suitable for use in both domestic environments and laboratories etc.

The 254 lathe was a quality machine, equipped with a high precision spindle with either plain DIN mounting flanged or Camlock flange and hardened and ground reduction gears. The 254 was exceptionally quiet, and free from vibration, and speed control could be greatly enhanced by optional electronic variable control.

As part of a rationalisation process, manufacture of the 254 range has now ceased.

Milling Machines - During the years, we have offered various milling attachments for use on lathes. The present version of these being the VM-A a self motorised attachment with geared spindle, which is offered for use with the Series 7 and 254 lathes.

We developed our own light ram-type vertical miller, which by the time it was ready, was deemed to be uncompetitive with Pacific Rim products. It was decided therefore, to base future offerings on economical imported machines which we could improve upon. Current machines are the VM-B and the VM-E. Both machines have extensively modified spindle drives, with very wide spread ranges and are offered with optional electronic variable speed control.

ML8 / Mystro - In the post-war years, catering for hobby woodworking became a major industry and we entered the field with the ML8 woodturning lathe. Once again, great stress was laid on design for production and all the major components were die-cast.

Attachments and accessories to broaden the capabilities of the machine into sawing and planing were quickly developed and the machine became a yardstick for quality and versatility.

With the advent of many individual purpose-built saws, planes etc., it was decided to re-design the machine purely as a super quality, super performing dedicated woodlathe. The machine was named the Mystro and is offered with a rigid taper roller spindle, suitable for metalturning and is an electronic variable speed control machine, making Myford designed woodlathes the choice for the discerning hobby woodturner.