Alternative "Quill Twister"

rdubbs · Post by **rdubbs** » Sat Nov 17, 2012 8:09 am

I work at the Woodcraft in Indianapolis. I noticed that a Jet lathe used an aluminum extension on the back of the headstock in order to rotate the headstock shaft (Jet.jpg, below). I also noticed that Beall has an adapter for their buffing system that is very similar to that extension (Beall.jpg, below) that I was sure would fit a Shopsmith. As you can see (Mk V.jpg, below), it does fit and does a good job. I have to remove it if I want to use an accessory tool, but while I am turning, it is quite convenient.

MikeG · Post by **MikeG** » Sat Nov 17, 2012 10:36 am

Interesting, I like the smooth look. I've used the 3" faceplate for manually rotating the spindle when turning. If I didn't already have the faceplate, I might spring for a smooth adapter.

Thanks for pointing this out.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sat Nov 17, 2012 10:44 am

MikeG wrote:Interesting, I like the smooth look. I've used the 3" faceplate for manually rotating the spindle when turning. If I didn't already have the faceplate, I might spring for a smooth adapter.

Thanks for pointing this out.

Me too.

Hope rdubbs got a good employee discount!:rolleyes:

lv2wdwrk · Post by **lv2wdwrk** » Sat Nov 17, 2012 10:52 am

You might want to take a look at this from Shopsmith.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... wister.htm

nil · Post by **nil** » Sat Nov 17, 2012 6:03 pm

Maybe I am too young (or careless?) to understand this one, but why wouldn't someone just directly turn the tool part when removing?

For example, in taking off the disc sander, I just turn the disc sander with my hand until I can insert the allen key right on top, that means the next thing that goes on will also land right on top for the key. Same goes for taking off the saw, drill chuck, lathe chuck, router chuck, etc..

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sun Nov 18, 2012 5:04 am

When 'turning' stuff on the lathe, repeated stopping is common. The reason for stopping is to examine the work in progress. That usually requires the need to rotate the shaft so as to 'see' all around the workpiece.

It has nothing to do with mounting/dismounting arbors etc.

Applying torque directly to the workpiece is not prudent. The drive center tends to become loose.

terrydowning · Post by **terrydowning** » Mon Nov 19, 2012 12:46 pm

What JPG said.

I use my 3" faceplate with a piece of wood attached as a hand wheel.

rdubbs · Post by **rdubbs** » Wed Nov 21, 2012 11:48 am

Hi Bob,

I know of this product. That's why I titled my post "Alternative". The Shopsmith Quill Twister appears to do a fine job of rotating the quill, but you can not leave it attached, and you can not use it to slow down rotation after cutting power during turning. I'd like to see Shopsmith produce a version of the Beall device with a 5/8 shaft so that the power coupler adapter could be mounted, and the Alternative Quill Twister could be left permanently in place.

lv2wdwrk wrote:You might want to take a look at this from Shopsmith.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... wister.htm

rdubbs · Post by **rdubbs** » Wed Nov 21, 2012 11:52 am

Hi Terry,

There's nothing wrong with using a faceplate/handwheel, but the Alternative does have a lower surface speed - so it might be considered safer. The large surface area makes slowing the lathe down fairly comfortable.

terrydowning wrote:What JPG said.

I use my 3" faceplate with a piece of wood attached as a hand wheel.

nil · Post by **nil** » Wed Nov 21, 2012 10:55 pm

JPG40504 wrote:When 'turning' stuff on the lathe, repeated stopping is common. The reason for stopping is to examine the work in progress. That usually requires the need to rotate the shaft so as to 'see' all around the workpiece.

It has nothing to do with mounting/dismounting arbors etc.

Applying torque directly to the workpiece is not prudent. The drive center tends to become loose.

Oh! I ended up getting the g3 chuck so I have never had a problem just pushing it around. Didn't even think of this use. Thanks.