Mini Lathe Cross Slide Bearing Modification & Travel Extension

**old_toolmaker** · Oct 6, 2018, 07:48 PM

marksbug,

Yes, it sure seems like the mods never end. Just when we think we are finished another idea pops up. I've been working on mine off and on for over over six years. That is what turns my crank.

**marksbug** · Oct 6, 2018, 04:18 PM

Dag nabbit!! Now you got me thinking again.... I may have to do some measuring and checken, a little extra travel wood bee nice.... it's still on my list to make some way covers to help keep them perfectly clean.I had made some aluminum pieces, but before I finished it one got started on it get steped on...well 1 segment did., and I wasenat all that keen on the looks&operation of it......thats when i figured I should probably use a fabric type. Im still working on the lead screw cover idea.I did however get a motorcycle chain cleaning brush that I was going to mount to the carrage that would stay engauged with the lead screw all the time,it works great to keep it clean, but a full cover would be better so thats the direction Im headed to...someday...somuch stuff to do so little time.

**marksbug** · Oct 7, 2018, 10:09 AM

I know what you mean,I make most of my specialized tools&tooling and fix/change/update the stupid crap on the machines. wish i had the $$ for a cnc. or the brains to convert one of my mills.

**old_toolmaker** · Oct 7, 2018, 08:58 PM

marksbug,

I do the same. I enjoy making all sorts of tooling including cutting tools.

**Jon** · Oct 12, 2018, 03:50 PM

Congratulations old_toolmaker - your Lathe Cross Slide Modification is the Homemade Tool of the Week!

Another difficult win on a great week! Some good picks from this week:

Slip Roller by celsoari
Gantry Crane by thegraindoctor
Knife Making Jig by MountainMan
Parting Tool Holder by rossbotics
Microwave Kiln by Sun_Chaser
Grinder Sander by Tuomas
Emery Cloth Belt Holder by jjr2001
Unimat Wheel Guard and Overarm by threesixesinarow
Mill/Drill Depth Stop by Carnel
Suction Distributor by bricoleando
Pick Stick by Downeast Thunder

old_toolmaker - we've added your tool entry to our All Homemade Tool of the Week winners post.

You'll be receiving a $25 online gift card, in your choice of Amazon, PayPal, or bitcoin. Please PM me your current email address and gift card choice and I'll get it sent over right away.

This your 4th Homemade Tool of the Week win! One more win and you'll join these 5-time winners: rossbotics, Christophe Mineau, Brendon, mklotz, Vyacheslav.Nevolya, brianhw, LMMasterMariner, Tuomas, olderdan, tonyfoale

Here are all of your winning tools:

QCTP Drilling Milling Attachment by old_toolmaker

tags: QCTP

Carbide Insert Cutters by old_toolmaker

tags: cutter

Quick Change Lathe Turret by old_toolmaker

tags: lathe

Lathe Cross Slide Modification by old_toolmaker

tags: modification, cross slide

**rossbotics** · Oct 12, 2018, 04:36 PM

Way to go old_toolmaker

Congratulations !!!

Doug

**MountainMan** · Oct 12, 2018, 06:09 PM

Awesome build!!!! Congrats old_toolmaker!!

**old_toolmaker** · Oct 12, 2018, 06:34 PM

rossbotics,

Thanks very much, Doug!

**SASocal** · Dec 22, 2018, 07:49 AM

Old ToolMaker,

Thanks for all your designs and plans for the mini lathe ! Amazing work...

Just picked up a set for the carriage lock and will likely grab the compound setup too - once I get this Cross Slide and the gibbs nailed down. Picked up my Sieg 7x10 [ HF Central Machine ] second hand from a friend who just wanted it out of his garage :-) Anyhow, this mod here is pretty much a MUST ... are there downloadable plans / designs / how to / sketches / anything else - other than this post thread on how to accomplish this mod?

Many thanks for all your efforts

Steve in SOCAL

**rayh__** · Aug 11, 2020, 08:56 PM

@old_toolmaker ,

Nice job on the mod and the write-up.
I know this is an older thread but I just got here and hope you can answer a question for me.
In your photo named Cross Feed ScrewAssy B.jpg, you show a cylindrical piece with a hex socket flat head screw (sitting in place) and two grooves for o-rings. Let's call that the nut because I assume it's threaded to mate with the end of the leadscrew.
As best I can figure the design, the nut retains the hand wheel and sets the clearance/preload on the thrust bearing. If so, then apparently, the two o-rings provide some friction to maintain the nut adjustment. Also, the end of the leadscrew is not tapped to accept the hex socket screw. The hex socket screw is fixed to the nut. Did I figure it out correctly? If not, please advise.