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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
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    melbourne australia
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    Default make a new toolpost handle for my hercus

    As part of my ongoing program to replace the crappy knobs and handles that come standard on the Hercus lathe, I would like to make a new handle for the 4 way toolpost. The original is just a piece of tapered steel bar which is then bent to make a handle. It works fine, but looks dodgy and is unpleasant to use.

    I would like to make a handle very similar to the one Aloris fit to their QCTP (see pic). Mine won't be as complex- just a steel hub(?) tapped to fit the toolpost bolt and the angled handle. The only stumbling block for me is how to drill the hole in the hub at an angle to accept the handle.

    I can see the drill bit skating off the round surface of the hub when I try to drill. I only have a lathe and a pedestal drill with an X-Y vice. Is there a way to drill this angled hole with what I have at my disposal?

    Chris

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
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    sydney ( st marys )
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    Default Hole on the side.

    Is this the type of handle you are replacing,or are you replacing a handle on a qctp.

    Or have you machined up a tapered nut to suit the top of the 4 way post and wish to tap this to fit a handle too.

    Can your drill press table rotate through to 180 degrees,if so mount your job in the vice,rotate until your tapered section is horizontal,centre drill and then drill tapping size,then chamfer the hole and then tap to suit your handle.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
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    Perth WA
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    71
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    6,458

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by jack620 View Post
    As part of my ongoing program to replace the crappy knobs and handles that come standard on the Hercus lathe, I would like to make a new handle for the 4 way toolpost. The original is just a piece of tapered steel bar which is then bent to make a handle. It works fine, but looks dodgy and is unpleasant to use.

    I would like to make a handle very similar to the one Aloris fit to their QCTP (see pic). Mine won't be as complex- just a steel hub(?) tapped to fit the toolpost bolt and the angled handle. The only stumbling block for me is how to drill the hole in the hub at an angle to accept the handle.

    I can see the drill bit skating off the round surface of the hub when I try to drill. I only have a lathe and a pedestal drill with an X-Y vice. Is there a way to drill this angled hole with what I have at my disposal?

    Chris
    Hello Chris,

    A couple of questions. Does your drill table rotate on the Y axis?. Most do. If your's does then there is the answer.

    Why is the original handle dodgy and unpleasant to use? I have an original and a copy of the original that I made for my first Hercus. I thought they were fine.

    Bob.
    Last edited by Anorak Bob; 5th Aug 2012 at 11:16 AM. Reason: A bit of doubling up. Peter is faster at typing than I am.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    ringwood vic
    Posts
    251

    Default

    G'Day Chris,
    When I made the handle for my QCTP I cut the angled flat with an End Mill, then drilled and tapped, I suppose you could do the same with a stone in a Dremel type grinder.
    Regards,
    Martin

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Norwood-ish, Adelaide
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    59
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    6,540

    Default

    You'll find it easier if there is a flat (use a file) or a centre punch mark for the drill to start in. Apply gentle pressure to start with until you have a dimple for the drill to run in.

    Michael

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    melbourne australia
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    3,228

    Default

    Thanks for the quick replies.

    pipeclay,
    my current handle is similar to your photo, but shorter and without the plastic knob. Yes I can rotate the table on my pedestal drill. I hadn't thought of that.

    Bob,
    the handle I have is too short and is all-steel (no knob). As I said, it works, but it just doesn't do it for me. These mods are also machining practice for me.

    Martin,
    I want to make something very similar to the one on the left in your photo. I do have a dremel. I suppose I could also file a flat to help keep the centre drill on target.

    Chris

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
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    melbourne australia
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    Default

    Michael,
    thanks we were typing at the same time! I will use a file to make a flat.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
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    sydney ( st marys )
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    Default

    You wont need a flat if you use the centre drill.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    melbourne australia
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    Default

    OK, ta.

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