Spindles and Tapers and Threads, OH MY!

[hcgernhardt]

Folks---

I've been thinking about building myself a nice little (well, maybe not so little) treadle lathe. The biggest stumbling block I've come across is the spindles for the headstock and tailstock. Most commercially available centers require a morse taper head/tailstock spindle, and plates and chucks seem to require a threaded spindle. Would anyone happen to know if there is someplace out there where I could acquire morse taper spindles? Do these spindles have threaded outers to accept chucks and/or plates? I'd like it if I could find a supplier with a web presence so I could check out prices as well.

The other option I have is to just use a plain 5/8" shaft, and look for ShopSmith centers and/or accessories, or other accessories that accept a 5/8" plain shaft. Would anyone happen to have any leads on those?

Thanks for your help,

Henry C. Gernhardt, III

 

[Captain Eddie]

3/4 X 16

Why not 3/4X16 for a shaft. It will fit nicely in bushings you can make out of HDMP (i think) There are adapters for that size, faceplaces from Sears or others sources. The tailstock is a dead center on most treddles. You can self machine one by chucking up a piece of brass or alumn. and making a 60 degree cone for an end. If you want it to be adjustable, do the 3/4 X 16 thing again and grind an end on it while spinning really slow in your lathe.

3/4 X 16 is available in 3' lenghts from most bolt and nut supply houses.

 

[Captain Eddie]

more

I forgot what I started to tell you. Go to WHM tool group and check out a shaft for a jet 12" lathe JWL1236 for about $40.00

http://www.wmhtoolgroup.com/index.cfm?area=shop&action=breakdown_detail&breakdown_ID=431

 

[hcgernhardt]

Cap'n Eddie---

Thanks for the info. I figured that looking at replacement parts for currently produced lathes would most likely be the best source for an MT spindle.

I think 3/4 by 16 TPI would be great for starting out, both for the headstock and tailstock. I _DO_ want to go to MT spindles later, however... I like having a live tail center. Now it's on to think about threaded bushings to fit into the headstock bearings...

Hold the phone... If I could do that for the headstock, perhaps something similar would make for a good live center for the tailstock...

Hmmm...

The great thing about building your own tools is that you can design them for your tastes. 🙂

Thanks,

Henry C. Gernhardt, III