Topslide setting jig

Hi everyone,

The scales on some machines,my lathe being one,are not always easy to read,for those of us with "less than perfect vision",and setting the topslide for screwcutting becomes a bit of a chore,since the markings are difficult to make out.

In order to try and correct this,I have come up with a simple idea,using simple templates/jigs,or whatever. These are just small pieces of Ali bent at 90* which hook over the side of the crossslide and line up with the front of the topslide,to set the angle in one go,no messing around!

To make one,the topslide is set to the required angle to begin with,and the piece of Ali lined up with its front edge,leaving a small overhang to the left of the cross slide. While in that position,a scriber is run along its underside to mark the position of the bend,and that,s it !

Next time you want to set up,just slack off the topslide and use the gauge to set it,dead on. I have put two pictures in my album,one for 60* and one for 55*

I have tried them and they do work,so no more fooling around with a lamp trying to see the scales. Hope this may be of interest to others like me,or am I alone ?????

Nice idea Larry, I have a similar problem with my ML4 😊

Neat idea Larry.

Agreed that lathe designer rule 1 seems to be make the topside angle scale hard to read. All the ones I've encountered have been, ahem, "less than ideal" although usable enough if you make the effort.

Sidestepped that issue years ago by switching to the zero-to-zero threading method and never bother with setting an exact angle. Anything a bit under the proper angle will do as the lathe keeps track of all the pesky feed distance and thread depth calculations whilst the tool ensures the form is right by taking an appropriate skim off the almost non cutting side.

Actually my topside lives at 25° angle off which does for both 55° and 60° threads. Also keeps the cross and topside handles out of each others way an stiffens things up a bit on heavy cuts as some of the feed load goes through the topside dovetail. Win x4.

Clive.

Thanks very much Clive,

I knew there were a few more tips out there !! never thought of leaving the topslide set at 25*,can see the sense in it now.

Dont understand why they dont make the scales clearer,however,we,ll get around it !

Thanks again for the interest shown by you and Nige.