Cross Slide Handle Upgrade

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I have replaced the stock cross slide handle with a multi-bearing supported construction for more travel and smoother action.

This project started after seeing Micro Machine Shop and Steve Bedair's write-ups on how they increased the travel of the cross slide. I wanted to achieve this, as well as having a better, smoother feel. The plan was to use a deep groove ball bearing at the handle, and source a trapezoidal thread form rod and nut to replace the LH M8x1.25 leadscrew. I had bought a Myford handle to use, and with a little thought, this was also incorporated.

After an unsuccessful search for a new leadscrew, I settled on buying a new piece of LH M8x1.25 threaded rod. I also decided to change to thrust bearings, which would allow for an adjustable feel, and completely remove any play in the handle assembly. There is still play in the nut, and this will get replaced at some point. A couple of needle roller bearings were designed in to keep things concentric, and everything was looking good. I 3D printed the housing, ordered the bearings, threaded rod, and some silver steel for the shaft.

As a learning exercise, I turned the shaft between centres. Using a faceplate and a bodged together dog drive, it turned out rather well. The hole for the leadscrew was tapped, bearings fit, and the whole thing assembled. With some tweaking to the compression of the thrust bearings, it turned freely and smoothly. I mounted it to the lathe, and it's been in service for over a year now.

When I had the parts for the Carriage Stop cast, I also made up a pattern for the body of the compound handle. The casting has arrived, and I'm waiting for access to a milling machine to face the two ends, prior to drilling and boring the centre. I had attempted to face the ends on the lathe, but the interrupted cuts were too much; my machine isn't rigid enough.