Hello
For my first project on the WM180 I decided after watching YouTube to have a go at turning new handles starting with the carriage handwheel. However the only metal I had available was a bit of rebar so that's what I used. My workflow was as below but I was a little uncomfortable with the last three steps which didn't seem quite right.
I wanted to ask if there is a more logical sequence to follow, and how should these tasks be approached. As it turned out (no pun intended) I was quite happy with the result, but as I said the method didn't seem quite right and was it more luck than judgement.
1) Remove deformities from surface
2) Drill 8mm hole through to take original screw and widen at end to accomodate screw caphead. this widening was made a little deeper so that the handle could be made longer than the original.
3) Chamfer edge of piece.
4) Knurl along length for handle.
5) Set required angle on compound slide and turn taper from knurling towards the chuck.
6) Measure required length of handle and part off.
Here are photos to help with the explanation, any advice on this or anything else to do with lathes would be much appreciated.

