Building a lathe from scratch
Progress as of February 15, 2004

The cross-slide with the last wooden pattern pieces stacked on top. The compound swivel and compound slide are in the middle. On top is the 3-bit tool holder which I will be making.
Since I have a larger headstock, I needed more travel on my cross-slide. In all, I have about 8" of usable travel, but nearly half of that will be past the centerpoint. Once the last pieces are cast and assembled, I'll see if I need to redesign.



Since building the original cross-slide, I have redesigned a new unit which provides much better support.

The new design, assembled on the lathe. This style puts the contact points out wider, helping to eliminate sideways flexing during cuts. Also the crank handles are in a fixed position, so they no longer travel in and out as the slides are adjusted.

Click here to view the assembly of the primary slide.

Click here to view the assembly of the secondary slide.