- Joined
- Jan 22, 2014
- Messages
- 578
I was recently reading a post asking if the new Grizzly G0752 has the ability to cut left hand threads and it motivated me to finally make the conversion on my G0602.
http://www.hobby-machinist.com/threads/g0752-left-handed-threading.36983/
http://www.rcdon.com/html/the_reverse_tumbler_project.html
I've been putting off this project for years now because I have not once had a need to cut left hand threads, but I have wished that I could make right hand, auto feed cuts on several occasions.
I've researched a lot of different methods to do this and I settled with this one by RC Don that was in the above mentioned post. Clean, compact, simple and it didn't rob one of my threading gears like one person's did. Some people made a shifter out the front or top of the machine cover (very cool), but I don't want a permanent protrusion to get hung up on - for the few times I may need to make a gear change. Besides, I will more than likely need to open the cover anyway to change spindle speeds and this method only takes seconds to change the feed direction.
I used Don's blueprint/material list and it was very accurate up until the final mounting location on the casting, which is critical to the drive tooth engagement. With nothing 100% definitive from machine to machine, I used RC's guideline measurements and it worked out fine.
I made my upper clamping plate more compact. I felt that his was too big when I got right down to it. Everything worked out just as planned including the Delron gears ($30) and parts distributor. In order NOT to disable my lathe while making this mod, I purchased an extra shaft from Grizzly to modify ($7). Also, be sure and order a new ball oiler for the end of the new shaft ($2) because it doesn't come with one.
I ordered a new spindle/bull gear because my bull gear was very loose on the spindle shaft and I was getting some run out. The new gear was a perfect fit fixing a years old problem that I have just endured.
Also, I found the 2 locking spanner nuts are severely out of true (thread to face/wobblers) and I need to order a couple of those too. I do hope they got the new ones right... QC, come on Grizzly, they're only nuts!
Kudos though to Grizzly for their very good parts/order dept., low prices and quick service! Just check the online catalog, pick a part number and place your order. Parts arrived within days (sooner than they stated).
Rick
http://www.hobby-machinist.com/threads/g0752-left-handed-threading.36983/
http://www.rcdon.com/html/the_reverse_tumbler_project.html
I've been putting off this project for years now because I have not once had a need to cut left hand threads, but I have wished that I could make right hand, auto feed cuts on several occasions.
I've researched a lot of different methods to do this and I settled with this one by RC Don that was in the above mentioned post. Clean, compact, simple and it didn't rob one of my threading gears like one person's did. Some people made a shifter out the front or top of the machine cover (very cool), but I don't want a permanent protrusion to get hung up on - for the few times I may need to make a gear change. Besides, I will more than likely need to open the cover anyway to change spindle speeds and this method only takes seconds to change the feed direction.
I used Don's blueprint/material list and it was very accurate up until the final mounting location on the casting, which is critical to the drive tooth engagement. With nothing 100% definitive from machine to machine, I used RC's guideline measurements and it worked out fine.
I made my upper clamping plate more compact. I felt that his was too big when I got right down to it. Everything worked out just as planned including the Delron gears ($30) and parts distributor. In order NOT to disable my lathe while making this mod, I purchased an extra shaft from Grizzly to modify ($7). Also, be sure and order a new ball oiler for the end of the new shaft ($2) because it doesn't come with one.
I ordered a new spindle/bull gear because my bull gear was very loose on the spindle shaft and I was getting some run out. The new gear was a perfect fit fixing a years old problem that I have just endured.
Also, I found the 2 locking spanner nuts are severely out of true (thread to face/wobblers) and I need to order a couple of those too. I do hope they got the new ones right... QC, come on Grizzly, they're only nuts!
Kudos though to Grizzly for their very good parts/order dept., low prices and quick service! Just check the online catalog, pick a part number and place your order. Parts arrived within days (sooner than they stated).
Rick