Milling Machine Handles

**rossbotics** · Jul 9, 2018, 01:33 AM

I’ve had this Harbor Freight Knee Milling Machine for about 9 years now (it’s one of those red ones model #40939) over those years I have done a lot of work to it here and there to trying to make it better, surprisingly it is a pretty good milling machine though, (nothing like a Bridgeport) the machine is very rigid in construction and will repeat within a thousands or two, the only thing that has bothered me the most about this machine is those red round crank handles that came on it! I have looked all over for different handles but none seamed to my fancy they were either too small or too big or I just didn’t like them, so I decided to make three like I wanted.

I used the existing revolving handles and made the rest of the cranks from scratch, nothing fancy just some aluminum flat bar and some 1¼” round aluminum for the ball ends and a lot of machining and modifications to make them work.

All in all they came out as I expected and work to my standards, I have included some photos of the machining processes along with the handles installed.

Thanks for looking and happy machining

Doug

**PJs** · Jul 9, 2018, 04:36 PM

Beauties Doug. I like your sensibilities for the design (3 fingers for fine and crank for giddyup) and your standards are always above reproach. Thanks for sharing with us.

PJ

**metric_taper** · Jul 9, 2018, 07:47 PM

Interesting cranks that have a nice esthetic look.
Sadly Harbor Freight quit selling interesting things after the original owner had his son take over.

**philipUsesWood&Brass** · Jul 9, 2018, 09:58 PM

Very Nice handles, Doug.

Thanks for the ideas.

philip

**DIYer** · Jul 10, 2018, 05:32 AM

Thanks rossbotics! We've added your Milling Machine Handles to our Milling category,
as well as to your builder page: rossbotics's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Milling Machine Handles by rossbotics

tags: handle, mill

**rossbotics** · Jul 10, 2018, 06:09 PM

Originally Posted by PJs

Beauties Doug. I like your sensibilities for the design (3 fingers for fine and crank for giddyup) and your standards are always above reproach. Thanks for sharing with us.

PJ

Thank you PJs

Doug

**rossbotics** · Jul 12, 2018, 12:34 AM

Originally Posted by metric_taper

Interesting cranks that have a nice esthetic look.
Sadly Harbor Freight quit selling interesting things after the original owner had his son take over.

Thanks metric_taper
and your right about harbor freight

Doug