Boxford lathes explained

This article is intended to provide a simple explanation of the different types of Boxford lathe and can be used as a guide when looking to identify the model of a particular machine. To view the lathes we have for sale, please click here.

First, locate the serial number, as this will provide some useful information

To locate the serial number on newer machines, simply look to the right hand side of the bed at the tailstock end. The serial number should be just behind the two bolts which hold the leadscrew bracket in place. 

Earlier Boxford lathes had the motor mounted to the rear of the headstock. In these cases, the lathes were named ‘Model A’ instead of AUD, and ‘Model B’ instead of BUD etc. The UD in the naming sequence stand for Under Drive and refers to the motor being mounted in the cabinet under the headstock. The underdrive system was introduced around 1959.

Different types of Boxford Lathe

AUD – The AUD models are most easily identified by the gearbox which sits underneath the headstock on the left hand side of the machine. These models also have the power feed apron which gives both traverse and cross powered feeds.

The gearbox allows the user to change the RPM of the leadscrew in relation to the RPM of the spindle by changing the configuration of the handles on the gearbox. It can be used to change the speeds of the powered feeds or the desired pitch in screwcutting.

The AUD, ME10, VSL & VSL500 were supplied with either a metric or imperial gearbox

BUD – The BUD is can be identified by having the same apron as the AUD but does not have the gearbox. These machine have the same power feed set up as the AUD but the adjustment of the leadscrew RPM has to be done through the use of changegears mounted inside the gear train cover to the left of the headstock. BUD machines should come with a set of change gears and the ones required will depend on whether the machine is for cutting metric or imperial threads.

The AUD, BUD, ME10, VSL & VSL500 all share the same apron allowing powered traverse & cross feed through the keyway in the leadscrew.

CUD – The CUD model is a more basic machine in the Boxford 3656 series, but is still capable of screwcutting. As with the BUD, the CUD model requires change gears to set the screw cutting pitches.

The CUD does not have any power cross feeds but can utilise traverse feeds through the use of the half nuts and change gears. This does however cause more wear to the half nuts.

TUD – the TUD model is the most basic of all Boxford 3656 series lathes. It is a very good machine for learning the basics of lathe work, but its use can be limited through its lack of features. The TUD Boxford lathe is most easily recognisable by the lack of leadscrew. The basic apron only has the traverse handwheel.

The CUD (left) and TUD (right) aprons 

Metric vs Imperial Boxford Lathes

Metric Boxfords were fitted with a 3mm pitch leadscrew. Imperial Boxfords were fitted with a leadscrew of 8 teeth per inch (T.P.I). One method of determining if you have a metric or imperial leadscrew, the author has found the best method is to use a set of vernier calipers and simply setting it to 1 inch and counting the number of complete threads. As a double check, the verniers can be set to 3mm to count one complete thread if it is a metric leadscrew – as pictured below.

Photo showing imperial leadscrew with verniers at 1” & Metric leadscrew with 3mm thread pitch.

Boxford stopped producing the 3656 series lathes approximately 35 years ago and switched production to a new design known as the X10 series.