Introduced in the Summer of 2001, the "Super 7 Plus" with its increased spindle-bore diameter (up from 15 to 26 mm) has been welcomed as a long-overdue development of this classic lathe. Besides the greater convenience of the larger bore, the new, stiffer spindle, larger bearings, ability to carry a 5-inch diameter chuck and the increased mass of the headstock casting have all contributed to a markedly-improved ability to remove metal. Another significant and important change has been made to the countershaft unit - the motor-to-countershaft belt and pulleys are now of the Poly-V type allowing much smoother running and extended belt life.
The opportunity has also been taken to improve the security and safety of the changewheel and countershaft belt guards - the inner and outer out sections are now much thicker than before and locked closed with positive-action rather than spring catches. To improve the feel of the cross-feed when using hand feed a needle roller thrust bearing has been fitted to the cross-slide end bracket.