Lathe Cross Slide Handle Improvement

[Paul Jones]

Not exactly a homemade tool but adding a Gibraltar rotating handle (Enco part #319-7676) to the lathe cross slide control handle is a great improvement to the lathe operation. I thought adding the rotating handle with a ¼-20 threaded end was going to be an easy addition to my 12” swing geared-head lathe. I discovered the original handle was a press fit into a hole too large to accommodate the ¼-20 thread and the next larger size in Gibraltar handle with a larger thread is too big.

I solved the installation problem by enlarging the upper section of the hole in the cross slide control handle for a press fit 21/64” dia. homemade threaded insert. In addition, drilling a deeper concentric hole (but not a thru hole) into the control handle with a #7 drill allows taping another three full ¼-20 threads near the hole bottom. While the larger lathe awaited its improved cross slide handle, I used my smaller 3” swing Unimat SL lathe to machine the insert. The ¼-20 internally threaded insert is 0.225” deep x 0.329” dia. and made from stainless steel 303 rod. A combination of a press fit and Loctite 680 holds the insert in place and then using a bottom tap completed the bottom threads.

I plan to install two of the smaller 10-32 threaded Gibraltar rotating handles for the lathe compound control handle and will have to use the same technique.

[Hotz]

Nice job Paul ...

[Altair]

Thanks for the tip, Paul. Bookmarking this one in case I run into fitment issues.

Al

[kbalch]

Thanks Paul! I've added your Lathe Cross Slide Handle Modification to our Lathe Accessories category, as well as to your builder page: Paul Jones' Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Lathe Cross Slide Handle Modification by Paul Jones

tags: lathe, handle, modification

[Paul Jones]

I finally installed one of the smaller 10-32 threaded Gibraltar rotating handles for the lathe compound control handle and using the same technique. I kept the shorter original handle on the opposite side. The other handle was missing when I acquired the lathe. Using two different heights for the compound handles allows for fast movement with the long handle and more accurate and slower rotation with two handles.

[mklotz]

Not to hijack Paul's thread but allow me to add a note for future readers...

For those who wish to make their own rotating handles, I've found a simple method using a shoulder bolt. Choose a bolt with the required thread that has a shoulder long enough to make a reasonable handle. Make a cylinder of suitable material (I like brass) a touch longer than the un-threaded portion of the selected bolt. Drill/bore/ream this cylinder to a nice free-running fit on the shoulder of the bolt. Counterbore so the head of the bolt is hidden in end of the cylinder when inserted fully. Trim the length of the cylinder so that when the bolt is tightened down the cylinder is still able to turn freely.

The exterior surface of the cylinder can be shaped/milled/knurled/whatever to suit your artistic fancy.

[Paul Jones]

Marv,

Thank you for the suggestion. The shoulder bolt technique is a very good way to make a rotating handle and saves some machining time. If the readers want to see an example, I published my home handles using shoulder bolts for my 3" swing Unimat at Homemade Rotating Handles . These work very well and provide a fine feel and feedback to the machining operation.

Thanks for the alternative method.

Pauk

[mklotz]

Marv,

Thank you for the suggestion. The shoulder bolt technique is a very good way to make a rotating handle and saves some machining time. If the readers want to see an example, I published my home handles using shoulder bolts for my 3" swing Unimat at Homemade Rotating Handles . These work very well and provide a fine feel and feedback to the machining operation.

Thanks for the alternative method.

My apologies, Paul. I should have known that anyone clever as you would have already thought of this approach. Had I known, I wouldn't have interrupted the thread.

[Paul Jones]

Marv,

No apologies necessary because I always appreciate your insight and comments. Please continue whenever the opportunity arises. I like what you have to say and show.

The reason I didn't make my own handles for the larger lathe was because Enco had a fantastic sale and free shipping for the Gibraltar rotating handles. The handles were $8 each, and considering my time and also buying the shoulder bolt for the home made handles, it just wasn't worthwhile doing this again for the 12" lathe. I made the handles for the 3" Unimat because I wanted that machine to be more unique.

Thanks again,

Paul