Your MicroLux 7 x 14 mini lathe was assembled and tested at the factory, but was disassembled for safe shipment. Assembly is not difficult, but care should be taken to follow these instructions in the proper sequence to assure safe and successful operation of the machine. We assume you already have the usual assortment of shop tools, such as wrenches, screw drivers, pliers and hex keys, needed to assemble small machinery.

Since the machine is somewhat heavy and gets heavier as you assemble it, an assistant will most-likely be necessary to help you turn the machine over and around while you carry out the assembly procedure.

Before starting the assembly sequence, carefully unpack and clean all machine elements. For identification and location of parts, it will be most helpful to study the Assembly and Parts diagram included in the Instruction Manual.

Carefully place the main frame of the machine upside-down on your workbench.

Install chip tray and bracing with rubber feet to bottom of machine with 4 screws. Note...short extension of chip tray should be installed toward the back of the machine; match the position of the bracing to match position of chip tray.

Turn machine right-side-up on your workbench.

Remove the bracket from the right-hand end of lead screw so that the carriage/saddle may be installed.

Install the handle and knob to the carriage/saddle apron assembly.

To install the carriage/saddle to the bedway, first be sure half-nuts are wide open so the carriage/saddle will slide onto the bedway easily; then, to facilitate the installation of the carriage on the bedway, turn the carriage upside-down on your workbench and loosen the 3 screws marked with arrows in the lower picture. DO NOT TOUCH the two set screws marked with an 'X.' These are factory set and the carriage will not function properly if you disturb them.

After the carriage is installed, gently tighten the 3 screws.

Reinstall the bracket loosely on the end of the lead screw. Move the carriage all the way to the right and position the bracket to allow smooth operation of the carriage, then lightly tighten the bracket screws. Engage the half-nuts on the carriage drive system, then gently tighten the bracket screws. You may have to tinker with the position of this bracket until the drive system works smoothly. Now fully tighten the bracket screws. Adjust the thread dial for proper engagement with the gear.

Set the handle at the rear of the compound rest in the proper position and install the compound rest on the cross slide of the carriage. Adjust gibs as required to assemble and for proper operation (see manual).

Install drive gears.

Install High-Low handle on gear shift shaft on rear of headstock. Engage the gears by moving handle one way or the other. Check that gears are engaged by viewing same through rectangular hole in front of headstock.

Install Electrical Control Box as follows:

Assemble 2 green ground wires to screws on front of headstock.

Connect the black and white wires with the larger terminals to the two terminals on the safety switch A and B (the one with the big red button)...either wire can go to either terminal.

Connect the black and white wires with the smaller terminals to the forward-reverse switch as follows: The white wire C connects to the lead closest to the outside of the electrical box D. The black wire E connects to the lead facing the center of the box F.

If these last two wires (C and E) are reversed, the machine will run backwards. If you experience this trouble, reverse these two wire connections. (Note: you can check the operation of the machine before going further by carefully making sure all switches are set to off and plugging the machine into the line power socket. Be cautious of high voltage present in the electrical box and be sure nothing touches any electrical components. Be sure the speed control is turned all the way toward slow (counterclockwise). Release the safety switch. Turn the direction switch to FOR and slowly turn up the speed. Note the rotation of the spindle. If it turns counterclockwise while looking at it from the tailstock, it is turning in the correct direction and reversing the connections is not required). Unplug the machine from line power.

Install the wire protector.

Install the speed detector.

Install rubber grommet (protect cover) to lead screw.

Install control box to headstock with 4 screws. Be sure grommet is properly engaged and wires cannot foul the lead screw.

Install support plate to headstock with 3 screws.

Install gear box cover with 2 screws.

Install chuck.

Install tailstock.

Install rear splash guard with 5 screws.

Install chip guard on compound rest.

Install all remaining handles, cranks, caps, covers and shields in the locations shown in the assembly diagram.

Warning! Do not start the machine until you are certain that the gears of the High/Low shift lever are properly engaged inside the headstock; otherwise, damage to the gears will occur if they are not engaged properly.