Compound and cross slide handles

[matthewsx]

Hi,

Has anybody tried substituting parts from a Harbor Freight mini lathe on their Craftsman? I need replacements but I find it difficult to spend big money on such a small part. Parts 86A and 86B on the drawing below.



Thanks,

John

 

[DAT510]

Not a exactly what you are asking.... But I did purchase a replacement balanced crank handle from here a while back, also after seeing the prices on ebay for handles from parted out machines.

C4 Balanced Crank Handles

www.wttool.com

 

[matthewsx]

Not a exactly what you are asking.... But I did purchase a replacement balanced crank handle from here a while back, also after seeing the prices on ebay for handles from parted out machines.

C4 Balanced Crank Handles

www.wttool.com

That looks like the deal

I looked on McMaster-Carr but didn't see anything really close. What sizes did you get and did they have the keyways in them?

Thanks,

John

 

[DAT510]

I got a C4-10A. There was no keyway, but on the machine I was installing it on, it didn't need a keyway. But I have cut keyways before, using an end mill (side plunging) and squaring off by hand filing. Now that I have a small shaper, I use it for keyways. There are also broaches.

Here's the MFG's site wtih actual dimensions of the handles. http://valtrainc.com/products/c1.php

 

[matthewsx]

I got a C4-10A. There was no keyway, but on the machine I was installing it on, it didn't need a keyway. But I have cut keyways before, using an end mill (side plunging) and squaring off by hand filing. Now that I have a small shaper, I use it for keyways. There are also broaches.

Here's the MFG's site wtih actual dimensions of the handles. http://valtrainc.com/products/c1.php

Thanks for the info

John

 

[savarin]

You could cast them in aluminium, check out the gingery lathe for how he made them.
I have cast them but didnt use them.
A tin can, some charcoal and a hair dryer will melt sufficient aluminium for at least two.
Some fine sand, ground kitty litter and a touch of water for the mould, bits of wood for the pattern.

 

[matthewsx]

thanks for the ideas, I'll probably make something from brass for the compound unless I decide to spend the $$ for NOS.

Cheers,

John

 

[Ken from ontario]

Any substitute has the potential to create more problems with fitting and most likely will need to be worked on to get it close to where it needs to be to perform as it should.
Try LMS, they have the right size for that lathe:
https://littlemachineshop.com/products/search.php?tabName=Products&term=tool+handles

Machine Crank Handle | Lathe Crank Handle | LittleMachineShop

This lathe crank handle is used on the cross slide of the mini lathe. Shop our entire inventory of machine crank handles at LittleMachineShop today!

littlemachineshop.com

 

[matthewsx]

I decided to order an OEM handle for the compound. hopefully I'll forget how much I paid soon after I start making chips

 

[Ken from ontario]