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Early-model 4-inch Myford "Precision"
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4-inch Catalogue Pictures   4-inch Photographs   4-inch Capstan Model
Original MF30 on cast-iron stand

Whilst the first version of the Myford 4-inch precision is very rare it was also constructed as a capstan version. In both models, instead of the well-separated feet under headstock and tailstock of the later machines the bed had a form that might be described as "semi-cantilever" with an enormously long foot under the headstock end and a perfunctory support under the tailstock. There were several minor differences as well: the cross-feed screw ran directly in the metal of the saddle (later machines had replaceable nuts); the tailstock used a different casting, the changewheel guard was in aluminium not cast iron and the tailstock-end bearing for the leadscrew was part of the bed casting instead of being bolted on.
If you have one of these lathes the writer would be interested to hear from you..

As found--an early Myford 4-inch precision

Detail differences and crude engineering: unlike later models with a detachable nut the cross-feed screw ran directly in the metal of the saddle - as it did on most ML2 and ML4 models. 

The strips of wood were used to prevent over-tightening of the bearing adjustment screws. The assembly was engineered so that, in theory, all the tolerances used resulted in a bearing that was slightly slack when assembled. The slit in the casting was then used to close down the bearing to set its running clearance correctly. It was even possible - but never admitted by the makers - that for prolonged high-speed use when the bearings might warm up too much, to back off the adjuster nuts one or two flats to give a little more clearance. Interestingly (although a completely different design) in the handbook for the Super 7 there is a reference to setting the bearing clearances to suite different kinds of use.