Craftsman 12" Carriage Stop?

[Olddaddy]

I was wondering if anybody had an easy solution for a carriage stop? I've been using a small c-clamp, but it is a pain to set up and then rely on. I see them on Epay for $50 and more, which is a bit spendy. A good simple solution would be a great add to my tool kit. Thanks.

 

[David S]

Not sure what a 12" looks like, but here is what I did for my Atlas 618. It is a combined stop and X travel indicator. The indicator is on the top and the adjustable stop rod is on the bottom. I think the photo gives the idea. There is a brass strip under the screw that clamps it to the bed to prevent marking ways.

Normally I can clamp it in one location and just quickly adjust the lower rod as a stop.

 

[Olddaddy]

That is simply beautiful! You are clearly more advanced that I expect to ever be. However, the concept is simple enough I think I could manage to make one up minus the dial indicator. The parts I mostly make are not necessarily high tolerance dimensions. If I can simply stop where the cutter met the pattern during setup I would be all set. I'm going to steal your idea and copy it for my own use! Thanks!!

 

[David S]

Hope it works out for you. Let us see what you come up with. It doesn't hurt to leave space to add an indicator in the future. I find it comes in very handy, especially parting off something to length.

David

 

[brino]

Olddaddy,

A search of threads here should find several good designs.
Over the last year or so I remember turret ones with multiple stops, some with a few fold-down stop fingers, and others with and without dial indicators.
If you cannot find them, ping me, I probably have some book-marked and can supply links directly to them......

-brino

 

[davidh]

this is what i fabbed up a bit ago. the red shaft is no. 10 wire. its makes a great flex shaft. . .

 

[David S]

David like the idea for the "flex shaft".

David

 

[brino]

okay, I've got a few minutes......here's some links:

http://www.hobby-machinist.com/threads/hmmm-carriage-stop-confusing-me.40058/#post-344844
http://www.hobby-machinist.com/threads/double-duty-micrometer-stop-project.34769/
http://www.hobby-machinist.com/thre...-for-craftsman-atlas-lathe.37939/#post-325404
http://www.hobby-machinist.com/threads/micrometer-carriage-stop-repairs.36157/
http://www.hobby-machinist.com/threads/four-position-carriage-stop.34846/#post-294838
http://www.hobby-machinist.com/threads/micrometer-stop.34605/#post-292742
http://www.hobby-machinist.com/thre...arriage-stop-for-my-hf-7x10-mini-lathe.32508/
http://www.hobby-machinist.com/threads/g0602-carriage-stop.32075/

Wow that last one is Bob Sakowski's first post here......there's some history!

Those should keep you busy browsing for a while.
Please post back with what you come up with.

-brino

 

[Olddaddy]

Brino, thanks for the links, great ideas to work with. Mine will be simple, but I have a spare dial indicator and a couple micrometers that are not earning their keep. I'm getting a new TIG welder for Christmas, time to fab something up!

 

[tomh]

Look at Toms techniques on you tube.
He has plans and a video on building one for a craftsman lathe.

Tomh