Shared between the various Maximat Models - 7, 8 and 10 - the headstock appears to to be internally almost identical with a mixture of steel and fibre gears and lubrication by oil splash giving it a reputation for quiet running and reliability. However, it will not take foolish handling and trying to move the selector levers before the shafts have completely stopped leads to the main spindle fibre gear being eaten away on one side - and eventual failure of the two lightly-constructed alloy (ZAMAK) selector forks. It is also not unknown for the selectors to fail with age and, as these are now unobtainable from the makers, improved versions in bronze are available - email for details. Before buying one of these lathes take off the headstock cover plate and have a good look inside.
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