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Delta Midi Handle Question

I have started to have a problem with the ratchet handle that tightens the quill on the tail stock. No - the plastic has not broken and the ratchet action is OK. What I think I am seeing is that the threaded stud is turning within the outer metal knurled piece. Thus with the ratchet engaged the handle turns the metal part but as soon as the stud gets tight enough to present some resistance it slips within the outer metal part and cannot be tightened enough to prevent motion of the center. It is not obvious to me how this is put together. Is there a way to tighten the joint between the pieces or was this just a press fit? Has anyone had this problem and have a solution? Would a cross pin work? I know there have been previous discussions about replacement metal handles. I thought that was for the handle on the tool rest. The threaded stud on this handle has the end reduced in diameter to fit the slot in the quill. Is there a suitable replacement that includes this or might I have to grind the end down to fit? Thanks in advance for any suggestions. John

Reply to
John Siegel
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I suggest contacting Jet. Their customer support is excellent. You may find that they will send you a replacement at no charge.

-- Jack Novak Buffalo, NY - USA

Reply to
Nova

Hi John. Sounds like the "teeth" inside the handle portion have worn out and aren't strong enough to apply the tightening torque. I was one of the first here to replace my plastic handles with metal ones and I elected to replace all three at once even though it was only the tool post lever that failed. I may be able to find my old quill handle and will send it to you if I'm successful and you'd like it.

As to replacing the quill lever, yes, the end does need to be reduced though I got around it by using a brass plug that fits the channel in the quill and rides against the end of the lever bolt. I've used it this way for maybe 1 & 1/2 years or maybe a bit more or less with no problems.

_____ American Association of Woodturners Cascade Woodturners Assoc., Portland, Oregon Northwest Woodturners, Tigard, Oregon _____

Reply to
Owen Lowe

Reply to
John Siegel

I just went and took a better look at the part. I concluded that the larger diameter knurled part is plastic - not metal. However the symptoms were as I said. The handle does engage and does not slip. What slips is the threaded stud within the larger diameter part.

I have now made a simple repair. I drilled a cross hole through the larger diameter piece and the stud a bit below the handle when it is engaged. I then > I thought I was clear on what is wrong but I guess not. The teeth

Reply to
John Siegel

So my reading comprehension isn't too good sometimes. :)

I've had the plastic portion break off the stud on similar levers - the stud is knurled with little teeth and is supposed to offer good grip for the molded on plastic. The plastic can wear and then the stud just rotates inside the housing. You could try to pull the plastic off and epoxy the stud - but I think I'd only try that if the cross pin solution eventually fails. (The plastic may not survive the pulling forces and you may lose the whole contraption.)

I did that for quite a few weeks until I ordered a replacement metal lever from Reid Tools - what a royal pain that wrenching was.

_____ American Association of Woodturners Cascade Woodturners Assoc., Portland, Oregon Northwest Woodturners, Tigard, Oregon _____

Reply to
Owen Lowe

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