Boxford Cross Slide Tee Slot Positions help please

[_Paul_Participant @_paul_]

[_Paul_Participant @_paul_]

I have just bought this boxford topslide to replace my standard one:

It seems to be a geniune Boxford item judging from the type of filler and paint used on the casting, I can only assume from the fact it only has a single slot it must be an early variant of the current slotted cross slide like the on below :

 

What I would like to do is to cut the other two slots in the casting to make it the same as the one immediately above, it does appear to have enough meat for the job.

 

My question is; does anyone know what the measurements are between the slots or perhaps have a Boxford with the above type of cross slide they might be willing to take some measurements from? I have trawled the net to find this info but to no avail.

 

The only thing I have found are references to aftermarket cross slides which from what I read appear to have four slots to Myford spacings/dimensions (South Bend variant here).

 

Regards

 

Paul

 

 

 

 

[MACParticipant @mac53652]

I have the cross slide shown in the second photo. If you need any info just message me.

[mannyroadParticipant @mannyroad]

Hi,

Its been a long time since you posted your reply about the cross slide but i have the same problem, in that id like to get the extra T slots milled into my AUD cross slide (which only has the one rear T slot). Would you be able to let me have the measurements too, ie centre to centre between T slots?

Cheers

Barry

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

Neither of the two previous posters have been active since the forum software change. Possibly not for years.

Would have been nice to hear if the operation was successful as i would be worried about distortion of the main sliding surface. A few well placed screw holes might be better – coarse Whitworth as it is cast iron.

[mannyroadParticipant @mannyroad]

Cheers for your speedy comments. Tony at Lathes.co.uk has some part finished slides that haven’t had the T slots milled into them yet. He suggested the slides were sufficiently seasoned to allow this machining, so im assuming it is possible.  But i do see you point and well placed Witworth holes might be the better option.

[Clive Brown 1Participant @clivebrown1]

If you do need the t-slot spacings mine are 2.25″ apart at 5.625″ and 7.875″ resp. from the front slot. This leaves a land of 1.875″ from the rear end of the slide. All “ruler” dimensions of the slot centre lines, (but typed as decimals rather than fractions for clarity).

If you wish to mount workpieces, a good alternative might be the Boxford 8″ square boring table. These come up s/h from time to time but can be a bit pricey.

Edit; just realised you existing slot is the rearmost one, not the front one, but dimensions should still apply.

[mannyroadParticipant @mannyroad]

Chris, that’s perfect info. Many thanks indeed.

Yes, the boring table would be great, but they never come up for sale.  Wondered if it might be worth turning up a circular plate, say 3/8 – 1/2″ thick and replicating the taper fitting (same as under the compound slide), and fitting a vert mill attachment to that.

[old martParticipant @oldmart]

The only reason for exact spacing of the tee slots would be if an attachment was using more than one at once.

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