So, my mill vise handle came broken off at the end, looks like people just beat on it with a hammer to tighten/loosen. So it seems like a simple project to practice milling ops on. The corners in the drive hole will be rounded from the end mill, but I don't see that as being a problem for this use.
I see two common types. The type with two holes spaced a few inches apart, and the type with 3 radial handles that look like the handle on the side of a drill press. What do people like to use? I might make both just to try it.
The 3 handle style is what I was considering starting with. I figure I could start with 3" steel round, cut off on the bandsaw and face and turn on the lathe to smooth it all out. Then I would need to index the holes on the side. I guess they don't have to be perfect, but it might be interesting to try. My first thought was to put the blank on a mandrel of some sort, and use a collet block to index the handles. Perhaps undersize the hole and use a shrink fit to a 3/4" mandrel? Or light press fit to a shoulder and use a bolt into the other side mandrel?
Drill press handles are usually angled out from the body. I could cut the angle with the compound on the lathe, then tilt the mill head to drill/tap for the handles..
I see two common types. The type with two holes spaced a few inches apart, and the type with 3 radial handles that look like the handle on the side of a drill press. What do people like to use? I might make both just to try it.
The 3 handle style is what I was considering starting with. I figure I could start with 3" steel round, cut off on the bandsaw and face and turn on the lathe to smooth it all out. Then I would need to index the holes on the side. I guess they don't have to be perfect, but it might be interesting to try. My first thought was to put the blank on a mandrel of some sort, and use a collet block to index the handles. Perhaps undersize the hole and use a shrink fit to a 3/4" mandrel? Or light press fit to a shoulder and use a bolt into the other side mandrel?
Drill press handles are usually angled out from the body. I could cut the angle with the compound on the lathe, then tilt the mill head to drill/tap for the handles..