Hello Andrew,

For the benefit of others who might want to do the same, could you add some contact details, address, phone etc to help them find the company.

They don't appear to have a website, today's first point of reference.

Regards Brian

I am a bit surprised that users of the Myford handwheel have not learned that you set the handwheel to zero and then use the top slide to touch the tool to the work, no need of an adjustable rotatable scale at all.

I agree its nice to have an adjustable scale but at that cost I can live with my method.

Clive

Thank you for all the comments, especially Andy the OP. Without wanting to incur the moderator's wrath, can I just say that the price is £140.00 post paid uk. The ebay price is to cover the ebay and paypal costs. That last listing is now in the Netherlands by the way.

Steve.

Edited By Steamer1915 on 16/11/2013 11:15:11

Until I read of it on this thread I wasn't aware of the handwheel dial but reading the positive responses, and having sometimes over the years thought "wouldn't it be nice if…" I decided to buy one. I contacted Steve and my order was quickly delivered.

I suppose that over the years many of us have bought items, hoping to expedite jobs or improve accuracy, and then found that they didn't quite live up to their anticipated promise. In my own case the enthusiastically acquired Myford 4-way tool post has spent most of it's life on the shelf, whereas the Myford-Dickson QC toolpost bought many years ago from the original Reeves I really would not want to be without. Where milling is concerned, the the Eclipse box angle plate, although used occasionally, hasn't really lived up to expectation and I was interested to read that George Thomas himself was a little disapointed in it's utility. Having said that, he was a great protagonist for the 4-way toolpost, it just goes to show that "nice to use……essential…. must have……..nice to own" are all very subjective concepts. It could be argued that if you posess a 4-jaw chuck then a 3-jaw is not essential, but who would want to be without one. Although they are currently in the ascendant the same could be said of workholding collets. (Possibly excepting very small horological work.)

As to the handwheel dial, no, I certainly wouldn't like to be without it now. Machining up to shoulders, blind boring and working very close to the chuck jaws you can simply rely on the dial and it soon becomes second nature to watch that rather than the tool point. The index is readily reset to zero to facilitate easy measurement. It's straightforward to fit, having comprehensive instructions, very nicely engineered, beautifully finished and complements the lathe rather than looking like something bolted on as an afterthought.

This forum has been accused on occasion of negativity and can sometimes be tedious but I believe that in making us aware of new developments and equipment and giving us the feedback of users it fulfills a very important function

Last but not least, all credit is due to Graham and Steve for their respective parts in making this available. I've posted a picture to show it fitted.

I have just fitted an imperial version to my Super 7 and I am delighted with it. The quality has to be seen to be believed as it is superb- comparable with that of a Swiss watch. It is a pleasure just to handle the components and admire the very careful workmanship that has gone into their production.

Like many others, over the years, I have purchased most “nice to have” accessories available for the Super 7, steadies, vertical slides etc. most of which I very seldom if ever use. This accessory is quite different as it is a permanent fixture that will be used and appreciated every single time I use the lathe. I consider the purchase price to be very reasonable considering the amount of use it will get.

I appreciate that the lead screw hand wheel /lead screw can be used to traverse the saddle in a “graduated” way however the hand wheel is a long way from the “action” and takes attention from the cutting tool.

The hand wheel dial was delivered by return of post and it was packed very well giving it total protection from the machinations of the Christmas mail.

I took my time fitting the dial which is quite straightforward following the comprehensive and clear instructions.

I do not have any connection with Steve Tracey Tooling Services other than being a very satisfied customer.

Eric

Is one available for the Mini Lathe as yet?

Martin.

I'm sure the handwheel is a fine piece of kit but have you seen the Linntools qd dro? I bought bought both types for my Boxford and they work really well. Just uses magnets and clamps and easily fitted and removed for only when you need them. Usual disclaimers, only a satisfied customer.

Edited By Sakura on 21/09/2022 09:42:11

Edited By Sakura on 21/09/2022 09:42:54

Hello Martin,

That is a nice job you have made of the Tailstock Dial. The fitment certainly looks as though it has always been there as Myford had intended.

Home Shop Machinist is currently running an article on this Dial with due reference to the original article in MEW No 279. I also understand this will soon be available commercially.

Regards

Gray,

I to have one of Steve's products, bought from him in person at Harrogate show all those years ago. Money well spent as far as I'm concerned, well made and easy to use. John

Only that it wouldn't fit the other way round. The dial is marked 0 1 2 3 4 which is obviously 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 and the 50 is stamped inbetween each tenth of an inch. It makes sense to me the tenths are large and obvious and the 50 thou small but informative.

regards Martin

Well I wouldn't describe the modification as mine as the design was one of Graham Meek's but yes the internal gearing drives the thimble to show 500 thou when the handwheel has made 5/3 turns. The tailstock leadscrew remains the same although the addition of a thrust race makes the feel more sensitive.

Quick pic of the internals