Quote Originally Posted by Paul Jones View Post
Marv,

I like your suggestion for the Unimat. I bought a slow speed motor, variable speed power supply and cog wheel and drive belt for my old Unimat to convert to a longitudinal power feed but never did this. Using the method demonstrated by Christophe would be simpler and easier to install. I am also consider installing a clear machining shield on three sides of the Unimat but didn't know how to access the longitudinal feed and limit the machining shield opening. This should work.

Thanks,

Paul
I'm picturing something like the following...

Two pin setup as per Chrisophe on the Unimat longitudinal feed. Shaft passes through a close-fitting hole in the chip shield. Outside of chip shield shaft has a knurled hand wheel that allows for manual operation of the feed. End of shaft has a machined 1/4" hex which fits the chuck on a power screwdriver for motorized feed operation.

Years ago, before power screwdrivers, I built a reversible DC motor rig to power the longitudinal feed. The interface to the Unimat hand wheel was a rubber friction roller pressed against the knurling on the hand wheel. It worked but lets just say it wasn't one of my finer design efforts. If I were to redo it today I would definitely use a power screwdriver.