A dedicated hydraulic copying lathe the Myford Mini-Kop was , in its day, widely used by both industry and technical training institutes and with examples also exported - especially to the USA and Canada. Although the lathe was built in four version - Model 1, Model 1a, Model 3 and Model 3a - the Model 1 was just a Super 7 with a built-on hydraulic coping slide the 1A being the first dedicated model. The 3 and 3a were almost identical apart from their spindles and the fitting of single-action hydraulic control on the latter.
Easily distinguished by its standard Myford "Industrial" cabinet stand (with a left-hand cupboard and two open shelves) the 1a, is relatively common but the very much more robust and highly developed 3a (there was no model 2) was fitted to a custom-made stand with a very deep chip tray, a plain front, no storage capacity and a separate control consul at the tailstock end.
With a bed identical in section to the ordinary Series 7 lathes it is possible to partially convert all models of the Mini-Kop to conventional "plain-turning" centre work by mounting a complete ML7 or Super 7 carriage assembly--and the writer has seen several examples where this modification has been carried out. Unfortunately the headstock spindle did not have a thread, but was formed instead with an integral flange. Whilst this can be re-machined, in the usual way, to mount a chuck, it is better to not to but instead make up an intermediate distance-piece in cast-iron and machine that for any particular mounting required. A powerful, slip-free drive was provided by a 2 h.p. 3-phase motor and a wide, toothed belt - unfortunately any change of speed requiring the pairs of drive pulleys to be swapped for alternatives.
The Mini-Kop in all its forms followed the Myford tradition in being a beautifully made lathe with fine detailing and an excellent finish. Although essentially simple machines, and easy to operate, it is vital to consult the operation manual to get the various settings right and absolutely essential to make sure that the hydraulic oil is perfectly clean and the system properly set up.