Setting lathe dials with thumbscrews instead of setscrews

[Nelson]

The dials on some lathes are fixed in place with set screws. In order to zero the dial, you have to use an allen wrench.

Has anyone replaced the set screw with a thumbscrew or other holding device to make it easier to dial in how much material to remove?

Photos would be awesome, of course...


Thanks,


Nelson

http://www.hobby-machinist.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=730024​

 

[george wilson]

I do that to all my lathes at work and at home. I usually make a little round,knurled knob. Too much trouble to go get an allen wrench every time.

 

[12bolts]

Hi,
If the dial has 2 grub screws to secure it, I replace one with a cap head allen screw that is too long by about 20mm and use my fingers on that to loosen and tighten the dial. The other grub screw I adjust so it is just gripping but not to firm so as to make the dial stiff to turn. This helps to keep the dial in its place when the cap head screw is loosened to zero the dial.
If you only had 1 grub screw then I would be drill and tapping a 2nd hole to suit.

Cheers Phil

 

[British Steel]

Hi,
If the dial has 2 grub screws to secure it, I replace one with a cap head allen screw that is too long by about 20mm and use my fingers on that to loosen and tighten the dial. The other grub screw I adjust so it is just gripping but not to firm so as to make the dial stiff to turn. This helps to keep the dial in its place when the cap head screw is loosened to zero the dial.
If you only had 1 grub screw then I would be drill and tapping a 2nd hole to suit.

Cheers Phil

Hi chaps / chapesses,

I've used a shorter grubscrew in the second hole on top of a spring and BB, it gives some friction and isn't so fiddly to adjust - choice of spring makes a big difference though...

I like knurled lockscrews too, keep meaning to make some for the lathe at work!

Dave H. (the other one)

 

[BRIAN]

Hi Nelson.

On my 7x12 I have modified the dials with small thumb screws , it works a charm.
also the dials on the standard set up form part of the end float adjustment so the tighter you make the float the harder it is to turn the dials.
I will strip mine take photos and post the mod.

Regards to all BRIAN:

 

[Hawkeye]

My Hercus lathe has tiny slot-screw setscrews on all the dials, so I have to add those thumbscrews to it. My mill has fairly large thumbscrews and they are quite easy to use.

My old mini-lathe (sold) and my mini-mill (kept as a second) both have spring-loaded friction dials which never gave me any trouble. No setscrews to tighten - just hold the crank with one hand and turn the dial to zero. I made the same kind of thing for the degree dial on my 60:1 rotary table. If I ever get around to making large dials for the lathe, I may use that method. I can always drill and tap the dials as well, just in case.