Hercus Milling Slide Modifications

[Anorak Bob]

A couple of modifications to make the slide more convenient to use on those rare occasions that it gets used.

The graduated collar on my vertical slide would bind when the feed screw was turned clockwise so I modified it allowing the collar to rotate freely no matter which way the handle was turned.

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The above photos show the original assembly.

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The modifications consisted of boring out the graduated collar to accommodate a taper pinned collar and grooving the feed screw to facilitate the installation of a circlip.

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For convenience I replaced the collar lock screw with knurled thumb screw.

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Then I made a lever to lock the slide. I had made a couple of levers for locking my two compound slides so while I had the Turnado and the mill set up I took the opportunity to make an additional lever for the milling slide.

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BT

[kafie1980]

Great to see the Tornado tool in action which I have seen very few examples of.

What is your impression of the Tornado’s free hand turning? Does it have a floating feel? My assumption as its not clamped to anything? I can only relate to free hand wood turning? At any instant does it feel like it’s digging under the workpiece on pushing it hard? How gentle does one have to be?

[Anorak Bob]

I haven't done a great deal of freehand turning with the Turnado. Mostly I've used the radius turning attachments and I have used the copy attachment.

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I haven't found that the cutter digs in even when pushing hard. All in all it's a nice bit of kit to use. I bought the Acute from Gary in kit form and after building it the Turnado and its attachments were easy. Buy one Torab.

[KBs PensNmore]

Thanks Bob, that certainly is a nifty bit of kit, really got me thinking about one and not to badly price either.
Kryn

[Anorak Bob]

Kryn,

What sets the Turnado apart from other ball turners is its ability to copy. Gary Sneesby is a very clever fellow. Build one and you'll see just how clever.

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[Salv]

I've been planning a shop built ball turning tool for a while but I have to say the Turnado looks mighty tempting with all its clever features and impressive flexibility.

C'mon Kafie, you know you need want one

[kafie1980]

Hahaha

There is no doubt I am already convinced.

Its on my list of things to buy, the only problem is that list is fairly long

[KBs PensNmore]

C'mon Kafie, you know you need want one

You only want him to buy it, so that I bring it down, for you to borrow.
Kryn

[Salv]

The thought genuinely never crossed my mind. But now that you mention it,………😂