Making Handwheel for Minimill

[Flute Maker]

I have a Grizzly 8689 minimill… I would like to upgrade the 2 handwheels. This is not a necessity …I saw some handwheels on sale but the price was still not good enough for me to want to get them . With shipping $95.80 with shipping /taxes.

So I’m just thinking about making a couple. I don’t have a metal lathe….I do have a wood lathe. This is just one of those thoughts. They would just be better than the plastic ones on it now. Purely cosmetic idea! TIA!!!

 

[pop-pop]

So I’m just thinking about making a couple. I don’t have a metal lathe….I do have a wood lathe. This is just one of those thoughts. They would just be better than the plastic ones on it now. Purely cosmetic idea! TIA!!!

Turn a handwheel and add a knob like this: (post 54)

Thoughts on a Basic face vise

Calling the thread fit of the spinners on the screw “sloppy” would be a compliment. But, that is why they spin so freely. The clamping screw needs to be perpendicular to the leg. The rear nut (spinner) is housed in an adjustable housing so that misalignment like this can be adjusted out...

ncwoodworker.net

 

[Flute Maker]

Turn a handwheel and add a knob like this: (post 54)

Thoughts on a Basic face vise

Calling the thread fit of the spinners on the screw “sloppy” would be a compliment. But, that is why they spin so freely. The clamping screw needs to be perpendicular to the leg. The rear nut (spinner) is housed in an adjustable housing so that misalignment like this can be adjusted out...

ncwoodworker.net

That will work!

 

[pop-pop]

That will work!

I use the flanged bearings for two reasons; 1) straight hole without needing two counterbores, and 2) flange will cover minor chip out from drilling the 5/8” hole.

 

[tghsmith]

it's too bad that the replacement handwheels cost like they do,, I searched other sources for a while and finally bought them when they went on sale a few years back,, they are more than cosmetic as the solid feel is a great improvement over the stock wheels,, I did think doing up a brass bushing and plate soldered up and then adding burl wood to the rim,, I would add a metal center hub to any wood handle..

 

[tghsmith]

you also have to realize that these handwheels are much more complex than a knob! you have a keyway shaft hole, and a step for the measurement ring with a groove.. (haven't looked at the rings in years since I added the Igaging DRO's) I did turn and mill a spacer to adapt one of the wheel to the Z axis control, much better than the stock little knob that comes on these mills..

 

[Hmerkle]

I use the flanged bearings for two reasons; 1) straight hole without needing two counterbores, and 2) flange will cover minor chip out from drilling the 5/8” hole.

@pop-pop is this the bearing you used: FR4-2RS Flanged Radial Ball Bearing 1/4"x5/8"

 

[pop-pop]

Yes, and I use that supplier.

 

[Charles Lent]

Not sure exactly what you are looking for, but a Google search for "handwheel" brings up a lot of options.

Charley