Myford tool post ball handle

I would like to make a ball handle/lever for my Myford ML7R tool post, to replace the standard nut and spanner arrangement.

For it to be visually correct the dimensions/ proportions are important. Can anyone provide this information please? Not sure if this was or is a Myford part.

There is something very pleasing about seeing a true sphere develop as it is turned. I want to make this.

Any help appreciated thank you.

Adrian.

The proportions of good looking ball levers are well documented in one of G.H. Thomas's books. I see if I can find my copy.

Adrian,

The Myford toolpost handle comes as part of the rotating 4 way toolpost. Mine is 3" long, ball centre to ball centre, The big ball is 1" OD and the little ball is slightly less than 3/4" OD. Large end of the shaft is 0.44" and the small end is 0.31". The handle sits at about 20 degrees to the horizontal.

I use mine on my Dickson toolpost:

HTH,

Rod

Rod, out of interest do you ever find the locking handle sits in an awkward position when using it with the quick change? I've head of guys having to fit 'custom' washers to get it to sit in the appropriate place.

Edit: Sorry just saw your post from a few years ago where you have done just that!

Edited By mrbuilder on 07/12/2016 12:59:50

Yes, I've seen a drawing somewhere and they did look smart.

On the 'odd' occasions when you wish to set the toolpost at strange angles with the topslide set at an angle or to use a position on the tailstock side the ball handle can get in the way of the cam hexagons somewhat. On my last arrangement I had a fairly thick bush under the ball handle which moved it up to use the top threads. This helped ease this issue somewhat. Arrange the thickness to leave the handle in the most useful place.

regards Martin

A quick Google search found this description on making ball handles:-

**LINK**

:

Adrian

George Thomas's proportions for aesthetically appealing ball handles ( listed in his Model Engineer's Workshop Manual, also ME 3 Feb 78 ) are as follows:

The large ball diameter (D), 2 to 2.4 x the thread diameter

The small ball from 0.75D to 0.80D

the length of the handle, between ball centres, from 2.5 to 3.5D

Diameter of the shank at either end, not more than .5 of the adjacent ball dia., preferably 1/32" less

Angle 10 to 20 deg.

Flat bottom on large ball turned back 0.25D, leaving dia. of the face 0.87D.

I seem to recall that Prof. Chaddock also listed proportions for ball handles in one of his articles ( can't put my hands on it at the moment). If I remember correctly they were similar but I think the shank was longer.

John Purdy

Thread it up first tighten up and see where you want the handle to lie. Then simple drill and tap for handle, done that way on last 4 lathes.