Thread: Tool rest locking handle

BlackbuttWA,

You could also turn a knob a bit smaller than a door knob out of some nice tough Aussie timber, drill a hole part way just a hair smaller than a hex head bolt of the proper size, and make up some two part epoxy to put in the hole and cram the bolt head in.

I did this with an elongated nut to use on the banjo bolt. It has been working fine for about a year.

If the existing female thread has stripped out then cutting a bigger thread will just lead to more of the same - stripped threads. I agree with Kryn that you should get a Helicoil inserted into the hole - hardened steel instead of 'easy machining' (high sulphur, lead, panda poo) cast iron. If you don't feel up to doing it yourself, look for a small engineering shop to do the more precise work - Blackwoods and just about every other engineering suppliers sell Helicoil kits

Many thanks for all the advice guys. I didn't expect this response.

Being a retired carpenter/joiner I hadn't even thought of using Helicoil inserts. In fact I didn't really know about them.
I am definitely looking at them now.

The handles I ordered from McJings won't go to waste, there will come in handy when making other jigs etc for turning.

Thanks again

Col

I replaced mine on my Vicmarc VL 300 that god bent after a fall. I bough an adjustable lever from their selection in the section Heavy Duty Adjustable Levers at JWWinco.com. Made in Germany, just over 23 US dollars, and super strong. Just a light pull and the tool rest is locked solid. This cannot be broken. Cannot be happier. I just do not know if they sell to Australia.

Agree that a Helicoil would be the best option; but it takes a deal of skill to fit.

Retapping and a lighter touch in use as posted may do the job. KISS principle. Have using this approach avoided Helicoiling a sump plug (my son was doing the trashing just as a BTW).

I would also look at the banjo overall to diagnose why it failed. Maybe just hamfistedness. Maybe if it's a cam clamp, just clean up and lightly oil the parts.

HTH.

I bought a few replacement clamp levers online from Maxiloc
Easily Adaptable Clamp Levers, Spring Plungers and Locking Bolts
after my Hare and Forbes originals failed. They cost a few bucks but have been rock solid so far for 18 months.
Cheers,
Geoff

Originally Posted by BlackbuttWA

The spring loaded locking handle for locking the rest in position has ripped the threads from the hole in the banjo.
The one I have is a 10 x 1.5 thread, so I need the next size up then I can tap out the hole to suit.
Can anyone please suggest where I can buy these handles .
Prefer WA but anywhere in Australia will be good.
Cheers
Col

Originally Posted by issatree

Hi Col,
Do you think you are putting to much weight on it, because of it breaking out.

I don't know how old the lathe is, but I have only had for about 1 year.
The handle that locks the tail stock is also faulty, but that is the plastic has been stripped where it fits over the bolt head, so it may well have been misused in the past.
Currently waiting for the Helicoils to arrive.

Thanks for all the advice & tips.

Col