MadModder
The Shop => Tools => Topic started by: rleete on November 23, 2025, 04:33:23 PM
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Let me preface this by noting this was NOTmy original idea, but one found on the web.
One of the most frustrating things about the mini lathe (other than limited capacity) is changing the angle on the compound slide. Wind it all the way off, loosen screws, set angle, tighten screws, wind the slide back in place. Changing it back or setting another angle requires doing the whole process all over again. What a pain in the... wrist. Big Grin
This is one method of eliminating all the handle cranking. You simply mill two pockets in the sides of the compound base, allowing the use of studs and nuts which can be accessed without cranking the slide off. A quick turn of a wrench is all that is needed. I even glued a small magnet to the appropriate size wrench so it can be held on the backsplash within easy reach.
I first plugged the counterbores with brass plugs. In retrospect, this is probably not necessary. Then I plunge milled the side clearances and proceeded to clean out all the middle portion. It's not the cleanest machining I've ever done, but it is only clearance after all.
Note: You'll have to make or buy studs based on the pocket geometry. Studs can thread in too far, locking the compound turntable thingy to the cross slide. I did the thing where you use a punch to distort the last thread (like on a T-nut) so they didn't bottom out.
Help! I can't seem to attach images!
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Nice job if it works for you?. :beer: