mandrel handle

[speelwerkParticipant @speelwerk]

With envy I look at all those beautiful made mandrel handles, when I needed one I hastily put one together. Niko.

Edited By speelwerk on 10/08/2016 19:23:50

[Douglas JohnstonParticipant @douglasjohnston98463]

Thanks for that information Michael and Howi, I see now how that system works but I must say I have never come across that idea before. I use the split tube and tapered wedge method for my handle but it is good to see other ways of doing it.

I rarely seem to cut threads without the handle as it is so controllable and easy on the nerves. Very much a must have item.

Doug

[Gordon WParticipant @gordonw]

My mandrel handle is a wheel, an ally drive wheel of an old water pump, about 12" dia. Easier to use than a handle and can be left in place. It was made in a hurry, the split tube is a bit of ally tent pole and was a bit loose so wrapped with aluminium tape to suit. Only part made was the brass taper plug, tapped M6. The spindle bore is pretty rough but so far this has worked well.

[not done it yetParticipant @notdoneityet]

mandrel handles are one of those things which seem to be essential equipment for model engineers,

I'm in Duncan's camp. I can turn the chuck by hand, if really needed, for starting a thread with a manual tool. Apart from that I use the lathe motor. My LJ turns at a reputed 36rpm minimum in back gear and a lot less if I reduce the motor feed Hertz. Who could want it any slower than that?

[HopperParticipant @hopper]

Unlike JasonB I HAVE forgotten on several occasions to remove the mandrel before pressing the GO button but I have a cunning plan to stay safe. Before inserting the mandrel I ALWAYS turn the power of at the wall socket. It is a golden rule and so far it has kept me safe (and momentarily surprised as well when I press GO and nothing happens.)

wow that sounds potentially nasty. I have seen (in MEW?) mandrel handles made out of those double-ended ratchet ring spanners, which would simply make a very loud ratcheting noise but go nowhere if the lathe were started. Or one of those one-way needle roller bearing clutches could be built into the centre of the handle.

Not that I need to worry on the mighty Drummond with its dog clutch and knockout bar to stop the tool dead at the appointed spot. I like to do my screwcutting at 250rpm – but that's just showing off that is.

Edited By Hopper on 11/08/2016 14:08:04

[speelwerkParticipant @speelwerk]

I only use a handle when I mill the thread of a musical box worm gear, they can get small with a diameter of 1.8 mm with 0.8 pitch and find it gives you more "feel" with the work. Niko.

[Clive FosterParticipant @clivefoster55965]

So when the great exhaustive survey of model engineers mandrel handles is complete will they actually find any two (or more) of the identical design? Judging by this thread I have my doubts.

Clive

[mechman48Participant @mechman48]

… & here is my attempt

George.

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