Improvements to the quill lock on a milling machine.

[tonyfoale]

This is probably the simplest post that I have made here, but the ratio of utility to effort is very high.
The video says it all.

Other tool videos at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...O1hdmUIYO28Def

[jimfols]

Thanks Tony,
Manys the time I have looked at or touched that quill lock to make sure it was not snugging up. I never dreamed of such an easy fix.

[Toolmaker51]

Of all the features making knee mills what they are; their quill lock might be the worst. It's conveniently placed but infrequently used. All kinds of aftermarket solutions have popped up; springs, magnets, counter-weights, none stayed on market long.
It's good its found a way into the forum.

Reversing the assembly is less common now, but an old practice.
Probably due turnover of less committed machinists, with fewer experienced mentors.

[TrickieDickie]

Very clever Tony

[Paul Alciatore]

Neat! And it didn't cost a dime.

[tonyfoale]

All kinds of aftermarket solutions have popped up; springs, magnets, counter-weights, none stayed on market long.

I didn't know that commercial solutions existed.

Reversing the assembly ......., an old practice.

I didn't know that either. I often reinvent the wheel.

[DIYer]

Thanks tonyfoale! We've added your Quill Lock Modification to our Machining category,
as well as to your builder page: tonyfoale's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Quill Lock Modification by tonyfoale

tags: mill, modification, locking

[Toolmaker51]

When I posted those goofy remedies, even googling them, pulled up zero. One was called "Quill Cock"; a molded plastic counterweight in red - profile of a rooster. To not appear in X hundred-thousand returns about insignificant as can be.

They'd been better off, compelled to front mounting; use a left hand thread for CCW operation and some kind of adjustment so it would lock without interference from casting.

[tonyfoale]

They'd been better off, compelled to front mounting; use a left hand thread for CCW operation and some kind of adjustment so it would lock without interference from casting.

Both good points. A LH thread would have cost the factory nothing. An adjustment system might have added a penny or two, but at least they could have provided say 4 to 6 positions for the handle.
In any case I have found no disadvantage with having a rear mount, I have used the rear mount for over 10 years.

[marksbug]

Both good points. A LH thread would have cost the factory nothing. An adjustment system might have added a penny or two, but at least they could have provided say 4 to 6 positions for the handle.
In any case I have found no disadvantage with having a rear mount, I have used the rear mount for over 10 years.

this is a good idea for some, buit for me outa sight outa mind....I would still leave it tight. I just added a nice stiff spring inbetween so they were held apart. witch pretty much keep the arm up when you unlock it. and down is locked. I did that years ago....but i still check every time I use the machine.old habbets seem to be hard to break. my quill has some good marks on it from somebody not paying attn.... before I got the refurbusshed machine... I dont know who/what company refer bushed it, but i think they just had a joint in 1 hand and a spray can in the other hand....smoking their referbush and spray painting the mill. you cant fix stupid, ugly can be fixed, stupid ..not!!! good thing I didnt pay a lot for it...( it's fine, but not reworked like it should of been,or that I was led to be leave)