WM180 Replacement Cross Slide

[Andy CarruthersParticipant @andycarruthers33275]

I am considering replacing the Cross Slide on my WM180 in part to increase the lathe versatility but also to give myself a decent project

I've read Neil's foray and taken note though I have lost the link to his post, also seen these:

http://mikesworkshop.weebly.com/cross-slide-extended-travel.html

http://andysmachines.weebly.com/extended-cross-slide-travel.html

My question is whether T slots or Dovetails would be best for securing the Compound and other accessories ie Ball Turner, Rear Cut-off tool

[Andy CarruthersParticipant @andycarruthers33275]

[SillyOldDufferModerator @sillyoldduffer]

I wouldn't bother with dovetails in this application because they're a lot of fuss for no obvious advantage. T-slots and easy to make T-nuts are fine for clamping accessories to a table. You don't need the sliding precision of dovetailed parts for mounting ball-turners etc. on a cross-slide.

Simple is usually best. (But not too simple!)

Dave

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Tee slots.

Have you seen Ron's recent thread on the one he made for his mini-lathe?

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Voice of experience – I would use much smaller t-slots second time around.

I matched the slots to my mill, but they are well oversize those on the SC4 are rather smaller and better proportioned – 10mm for M8 screws, I think.

Neil

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

Dovetails would be a right pain. Tee slots and nuts are much more versatile, you don't want to have to cut a dovetail when you have to mount a new accessory. I don't think I've ever seen a dovetail used on a machine table other than for the sliding surfaces. Actually, it would also be much weaker than a tee slot.

[Andy CarruthersParticipant @andycarruthers33275]

@Jason – I have just read Ron's thread, thanks for highlighting this

I appreciate the feedback, thanks to all, plenty to think on

[Bernard GreatrixParticipant @bernardgreatrix61453]

Can someone give a link to "Ron's recent thread" – ditto "Neils Foray"

I also have a WM180 and would like to extend the cross feed travel. One of my sticking points is the left-hand thread. I haven't successfully managed it despite running in reverse with the lathe tool upside down.

regards

Bernard

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Neil's and Ron's

[Frances IoMParticipant @francesiom58905]

you can’t cut LH threads on a WM180 unless you can manage to squeeze an extra gear into the somewhat length restricted gear train. There is at least one description of adding a tumbler but the design of the WM180 was changed (cost reduced?) in later models and don’t think it will fit new models.

[Bernard GreatrixParticipant @bernardgreatrix61453]

Again thanks Jason – I'll read them when I've a little more time. SWMBO wants some jobs done before it gets dark

Frances – The WM180 manual says that left hand threads are not possible. That is certainly true for an unmodified lathe.

However I reasoned that if I used a lathe tool upside down and ran the lathe in reverse I might succeed – I didn't by the way – all I got for my troubles was a metallic version of a bottle brush as it didn't cut at all cleanly.

I shall have to investigate making a new banjo arm to add an extra gear. Then I can cut a new cross-slide screw. Then I can mount a VMS and I can mill the item I set out to make in the first place.

regards

Bernard

[Frances IoMParticipant @francesiom58905]

Bernard even trying to cut in reverse can’t give you a LH thread as you need to reverse the sense of the geared coupling between chuck and leadscrew

[Bernard GreatrixParticipant @bernardgreatrix61453]

Yep – as I said I didn't succeed

[Neil LickfoldParticipant @neillickfold44316]

When I made my Myford 0.5mm pitch cross scre wand nut, I just used the normal RH tap , and screwcut the thread with a traveling steady rest.

It does need to turn the opposite , I it is no biggie. You just have to remember which way is feed out.

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