Knurled Handles: Knurling, taper cutting, and bushings on the mini lathe

This video is how to make knurled handles with bushings for the mini lathe to improve the controls. (MUCH) More information below!
Please like and subscribe if this was helpful!
Stuff from this video:
Knurling Tool: amzn.to/2pI4fCq
Anti-Seize: amzn.to/2ovBg2T
Lathe: amzn.to/2nVBrEc
Stuff on the lathe:
Quick Change Tool Holder: amzn.to/2oZtFee
Tailstock Drill Chuck: amzn.to/2pmE0jX
Lathe tools:
Boring Bar: amzn.to/2pmy0b1
Carbide Tools: amzn.to/2oRZWax
Parting Tool: amzn.to/2nVCeW1
Center Bits: amzn.to/2oRRV5n
Drill Bits: amzn.to/2oz9W76
Other stuff:
Cutting oil: amzn.to/2ofkPaY
Mini Lathe troubleshooting guide: littlemachinesh...
Controller board wiring configuration: imgur.com/KIEzu92
The real version of the motor controller: amzn.to/2orw43F
Datasheet for the KBIC-120: www.galco.com/...
Super nice guy who repairs the controller boards: olduhfguy.com/
Music:
/ myeyes

[@tythesnoman]

I got my lathe today and instantly thought the same about the handles. I have absolutely no experience but I’m very excited to try this. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@Samiamkc]

hey man, I appreciate you taking the time to film and dub these processes. I decided to buy a mini-lathe recently and while there is a lot of good info about them online, there seems to be little in video format. I think these videos will be helpful for the next generation of hobbyists trying to get into machining. Keep up the good work! I can't wait to get mine and start following along with your tutorials!

[@-GuitarZero]

I have a Craftsman Tablesaw that has this problem of the handle unscrewing. I also have recently purchased a mini-lathe, so this project would seem to be a perfect start.

[@johnhartmann7152]

Just picked up my own mini lathe, thanks for all the great videos, plenty of great upgrades and projects to get me started.

[@hunterwest1203]

nice work, only thing i think i would do differently is when you make that bushing, i would have made it about twice as long, would take up most of the play in that knob and make it more durable, kudos for finishing the piece nicely though

[@TimNummy]

Thanks! I thought about it but didn't have cap screws long enough - this works so much better than the original handles that just the fact that they don't fall off in your hand is a huge improvement. Once I get all the other shortcomings on this lathe fixed I may revisit these though.

[@berzerkrobot]

I was thinking the same thing! Also, Tim you have a lathe - make fasteners ;D

[@notoioudmanboy]

I think watching your videos is going to be the thing that gets me to take the plunge on one of these

[@TimNummy]

I'm glad I could inspire!

[@Bartolobot]

I did this upgrade also, and what a difference it makes! I would suggest you change out the screw in the middle to a low profile screw. you might find that with this better grip and spinning ability you will bash your index finger knuckle on that screw once in awhile. I did, so I made the upgrade and that gave me more clearance.

[@eze-fpv848]

I bought mine when o seen your box opening video of your mini lay. Although you are having a hard time with yours I like the way you would pick stores up and I'll order the exact same stuff you did from Amazon and it should be here tomorrow..thanks man

[@Jonb782010]

Hi mate just wanted to say " thanks so much for your! time & efforts with all your videos!!! " It's awesome helping us without a clue 😂 & learning - after watching how well you re-built your lathe with all the problems you had gave me confidence to get one ( especially with the hit n miss of what you might receive?) , I was saving for a Siege mill lathe combo but it's way too small & last night looking on local ads - finally found one & was the same one you have so I bought this one instead - now I'm just watching all your videos again from strip down through 👍 thanks again & please keep up the great work & projects you do!! It helps soo much!!

[@TimNummy]

You're very welcome! Thanks so much for watching them :) I'm excited for you and your new project! I think the lathe I got is one of the worst examples that are out there, so if I can make this one work then I have no doubt you can get yours to be a fun tool. Feel free to reach out with any questions you have and I'll do my best to answer them.

[@bugbomb8048]

I’m so very high and enjoying this video right now I just don’t see how life good get any better

[@addmister]

Really interesting to see the process of creating these parts. Looking forward to more of your videos as your skills and the lathe itself improve. Great work!

[@TimNummy]

Thank you very much! I really appreciate that!

[@TroyeStonich]

Nice work Tim! You've inspired me to buy a mini lathe. I've watched your videos on the import lathe journey and it seems for a reasonable amount of money you can get started turning. Keep the quality content coming!

[@woutmoerman711]

Very nice video. I have a mini lathe and replaced 1 of the handles but this inspires to me to do the rest. Hate the music though.

[@TimNummy]

Thanks! Sorry about the music, some people like it and some people hate it. I've learned to make it much more subtle in my later videos though.

[@garethweare6441]

Did a similar thing on a company lathe I used a lot, I did it in my spare time and used ball bearings instead of bushings.. we had phosphor bronze stock which would have worked well also but I decide to still try ball bearings

[@johnhall8455]

One thing to definitely change is the cap headed screw that holds the handle to the spindle…replace it with a button head socket screw…no more damaged knuckles..

[@ericjohnson8482]

Just for reference, the cross slide is the one going in the Y direction (the one you call facing), and the one you used to cut the 30* angle is called the compound. If you are dedicated to keeping this and trying to work with it, I'd make a permanent mark on the compound so you can set it to your angles you want.

[@TimNummy]

Thanks! I couldn't remember them in the moment - I need to label them on the lathe or something... This is just as much of a learning experience for me as (I hope) it is for others... I do want to be sure I'm offering correct information though. I wish youtube still allowed annotations so I can overlay corrections in the video after the fact.

[@TheMuddman74]

Wanted to follow this up by saying that this interaction solidified my thankfulness for finding this video. I appreciate the gentleman pointing out an error without being rude, then offered solutions that clearly come from experience. Then the OP having humility, appreciating the correction, and expressing the want to offer accurate information was spot on. Gentlemen, thank you for reminding me that wholesome interactions still happen and for making me feel at home here. Long days and pleasant nights, fellas!

[@berzerkrobot]

Wow You have inspired me to purchase a lathe. Great shots too! If I may recommend... If you can manually adjust your aperture, set the aperture size a bit smaller if you have enough light, because a few of the shots are a bit out of focus from the shallow depth of field. A very minor thing tho for a great video!

[@TimNummy]

That's great to hear! I haven't posted a video of this yet but it will be coming soon - be sure to go through everything (and I mean everything) once you get it and torque all the bolts and grease all the things that turn. Also, I would highly recommend doing the motor mount modification I did - You can find it in my other videos if you haven't already. As for the DOF - I probably should open it up when I'm waving my hands around but I like to keep it narrow so the focus of the video is on the area I'm trying to get you to focus on :) I will definitely keep that suggestion in mind though!

[@berzerkrobot]

Thanks for the input man!

[@bigdodgeaus]

I love your work and your videos. I have a feeling that the weight of these handles might come back to bite you as the vibration from the lathe will want to make the weight of the handles go to the bottom of their movement. Just a thought. Cheers.

[@grmps8927]

good video. I'm just getting into mini-lathes, I'd suggest using a round head screw to attach the handle instead of the cap screw that's there now. Less chance of catching your fingers on it when you turn your sweet mew handle

[@gagasmancave8859]

Tim another nice little project to add to my TTD list

[@sharpeguns1]

I love clean and thought thru work, sometimes I just start and figure different ways to go I'm also a big fan or replacement of these super small handles on a mini lathe. like your hands shrink to mini every time you use it. don't get started on dials, metric and say and size. lol Good days ahead

[@TimNummy]

Thanks for watching! I knew those handles were going to have to be one of the first things to go haha

[@rayfalcone6897]

another nice video, good job,Tim

[@Jon-ko3vv]

Probably could have used a shoulder bolt instead of making a bushing but looks real good

[@fpreston9527]

Putting grease inside will attract swarf . Normal lathe use and cleaning should give enough lubrication

[@freon500]

I have a question, how to keep the waffle knurling pattern from overlapping itself creating multiple overlapping waffle patterns?

[@dicelabiblia7461]

Great videos, excellent tips, thank you so much.

[@Mephitus_LePew]

randomly ran across your channel and dig the work. If you don't already, might I recommend checking out the clickspring channel. There are quite a few tips that you would likely find extremely helpful for small machining. Like wrapping your emery paper around popsicle sticks for an easier time using with the lathe. Or some jewellers files for cleaning up edges. Looking forward to seeing what else you make!

[@TimNummy]

Thanks so much! I really enjoy the clickspring channel, although haven't watched all of them yet, but I've picked up a couple useful thing so far - his work is pretty amazing. Thanks for watching and enjoying, I really appreciate it

[@alan_b7188]

Great video. Love your work.Why don't you get an angle mark scribed onto your cross slide? It wouldn't be too hard to find the centre of the slide and scribe a more permanent and accurate mark onto it. Further angle markings could be calculated from this.

[@TimNummy]

I do need to come up with something more permanent - no real reason I haven't yet except for just not taking the time to. Thanks for watching! :)

[@tigerbeardesigns9344]

cool, we need to do this with our mini lathe.

[@ddistrbd1]

I really like this project, the handle for my compound slide is the one that bugs me, this may be the answer .

[@bigobasementprod.9776]

What's the cap screw size/thread for inside handle?

[@jadymulqueeney]

Thanks for the inspiration :-)

[@roonimac]

you didnt show how you made the step inside of the handle?

[@dbeierl]

Pilot point drills are a poor choice for sneaking up on a diameter using multiple drills, because they cut first on the very outside of the hole, and use the pilot for stabilizing. You made a nice pilot hole which was too large for the pilot of the big drill. Pilot point are great for single thicknesses that you want to drill in one pass. Single because the drill as it exits a piece makes a little disk that keeps it from entering the next piece. For drilling where you want to get an exact diameter by sneaking up on it with successive drills, use regular-point drills bits.

[@TimNummy]

Thanks for the advice and explanation! That makes sense for sure.

[@keystonekreative2174]

Thank you!!!!

[@tomaswolsink7620]

great video series !! Keep up the good work

[@TimNummy]

Thank you so much!

[@kwakmad91]

great video and great project your getting some real great results out of the cheap lathe. just 1 think I would say is when your knurling you would to use lots and lots of lube, you really won't it dripping in oil

[@TimNummy]

Thanks so much! That's probably a good tip too

[@kwakmad91]

***** I have a super old lathe from about 1890 and you have me thinking whether or not its worth getting this or a similar small lathe for little work, you seem to be getting some good results

[@TimNummy]

That's awesome! That lathe sounds like it'd be really neat. After a bit of effort this lathe is proving to be able to make some decent parts and run for hours at a time with out much complaining.

[@ronaldmorrison2765]

Much of the good results from the little lathe depend on doing the adjustments on the cross slide and compound to there is no slop in them, then getting your cutting tools very sharp. With a cheap set of brazed carbide bits, I can take a hair thin curl of steel for a cut. Out of the box those cheap cutters wouldn't even cut.

[@alangraham3878]

The back lash in the compound slide looks excessive still.

[@apistosig4173]

Hi Tim - I have a baby lathe - think unbranded Sieg C0. I am chasing a knurling tool that will be small enough. What unit are you using here? thanks

[@girliedog]

Sweet handles well done, of course, if you want bling you could make them from brass?

[@TimNummy]

Brass would definitely add more bling haha... but also more expense for this project but more importantly much more weight on the handles, which wouldn't be desirable as they would constantly be swinging to the bottom without a proper counter balance.

[@girliedog]

Did not think of the weight, good point.

[@dbeierl]

You're putting a lot of stress on that short little joint. If you make them again I'd suggest making it much longer. Also the big clearances give a crummy feel to the handle -- you've gone to a lot of trouble to make nice handles; you want them to feel nice as well. Remember that these are handles that you want to be able to easily set half a thou on the dial.

[@eze-fpv848]

Sorry about that ..i was saying you had a lot of trouble on your box opening video when you first got it with the motor being loose and everything

[@TC-lq4dm]

Are you going to install digital calipers to your lathe for Reading the measurements or Are you going to install a inductive rpm counter, it would be a nice project. The machine noise next to the music is too loud, it annoys. can you recommend to buy this lathe? i wanted to buy one for education purpases but never had That money an this lathe is the cheapest Option availibal to me, so do you recommend it ? (with your upgrades? )

[@TimNummy]

Hey thanks for watching! I will be adding some DRO's at some point as soon as I can figure out a slick way to do it. An rpm counter (as well as a couple other interesting gauges) are in the works and will be in a few videos from now. With the upgrades, it does seem that this little lathe is worth it - it does have extra frustrations but when it's dialed in, you can make some nice parts.

[@scott3708]

Any thought about using bearings rather than aluminum on aluminum? Also I observe a lot of the time the material doesn't seem to cut well but gall is that just the nature of the aluminum or motor speed to high not allowing the soft metal to cut? just curious not criticizing.

[@TimNummy]

Hey Scott, thanks for watching! The bushings are actually mild steel - bearings would probably be a great choice, theses were mostly a project to make them significantly better than they were, but not necessarily the best they could be. I think the galling is mostly from a general lack of rigidity but also maybe from using carbide tipped tools with not enough speed/heat. I'm still pretty new at this so I'm not totally sure.

[@scott3708]

I enjoy your videos, and looking for a lathe just like this one, or the same model in a Grizzly. I will be watching for more! Thank You. Saw some options for replacing the main carrier bearings with tapered roller ones with excellent results in the turned metal finish. I love the mind set to look at a thing and say I can make that better... then do.

[@Novice1943nl]

A simple drop of Locktite on the Original handles would have solved your problem with those things getting loose

[@davidcardona9781]

How did this affect the balance in weights, is it relevant?

[@TimNummy]

I haven't noticed one way or another... the slides are smooth but tight enough that they pretty much stay where you leave it.

[@trevorsmales9303]

Think you need to make new turning wheels to match now. :)

[@TimNummy]

They are on the list!

[@warrenmills7978]

Dude you just made a barrel for tattooing i use them everyday

[@TimNummy]

Haha awesome.

[@dbeierl]

Got to say, that music with the interruptions that sound like electronic failures is super annoying.

[@TimNummy]

Sorry! But thanks for the feedback :) Maybe checkout one of my more recent videos to see if I'm doing any better?

[@dbeierl]

I"m working through them. :)

[@mikelemon5109]

10:10 woha that lathe wobble you should fix it to the heaviest object in the room right away if you want decent parts...

[@TimNummy]

Yeah, it's a pretty light lathe and pretty easy to toss around.... usually I'm not cutting when turning the cross or compound slide handles and from left to right it's pretty stable... eventually it will be bolted to something though - thanks!

[@mikelemon5109]

Yeah bolt it into a tank or something this is very not practical I believe that this lath is the most expensive tool in your shop so you should threat it properly.

[@darrelferreira9153]

@TimNummy hi, how can we cut a horizontal slit inside a knurled roller?

[@TimNummy]

Unfortunately I'm not sure I understand your question... Can you explain it a little more?

[@darrelferreira9153]

TimNummy not sure if I can explain. I am referring to the horizontal slit on inner circumference of the roller to lock on rotor bar using a square shaft / pin

[@darrelferreira9153]

@TimNummy any idea?

[@TimNummy]

Oh you mean a key slot? I think the best way would be with a file... And I think Clickspring has a great video on doing just that

[@darrelferreira9153]

TimNummy key way it is. Many thanks Tim!

[@spike7112ify]

Sup with some of the muting?

[@TimNummy]

Copyright claims :/

[@spike7112ify]

@@TimNummy oof

[@law-ofohms7815]

WTF is that drill bit @5:09 ?

[@TimNummy]

amzn.to/2oz9W76 Does this help?

[@Novice1943nl]

Nice video's. Hate the so called music!!!!

[@johnkanderson]

Have my babies

[@bono8168]

0

[@anthonyjames7683]

bono hsin good video but the music is sh..

[@richbuege6491]

Nice job of unbalancing your handles. That round ball on the other end isn't for decoration, it balances the thing so you don't have to keep your hand on the dial all the way through a cut. Nice job of guaranteeing you don't get a good fit between the "handle" and the bolt holding it. Drilled holes are never close enough unless they're just clearance or a tap drill. And knowing your original complaint, one of ignorance, using a piece of leather or maybe a thin belt, grab the original using that between the pliers and the knob, tighten i t, and it won't unscrew. But you now have a wobbly, heavy knob that's going to be your master with every cut you take. As of how the machine sits now, I'd give you no more than fifty bucks if you delivered it here.

[@TimNummy]

I hate comments that start out with "Nice job of [whatever I did wrong or you think I did wrong]" because I see the notification and think it's positive and then I get unpleasantly surprised. That said, I understand the design intentions of the ball on the other end but it's basically decoration with how cheaply this machine is built. Along those lines, there is a enough friction in the movements that unintended rotating isn't an issue. Regardless, the aluminum handle is probably much closer in weight to the original steel handle than you realize, despite it's larger size. As for the bolt issue, if you watch the video again you'll see that I made a bushing that is a pretty tight fit in the handle. The bolt used to attach the handle is actually tightened against the bushing and the handle spins on the bushing, not the bolt. So the tolerance between the bolt and the hole in the bushing is not critical. Not only did they not tighten well, the handles just weren't comfortable to use because of how small they are. I have no regrets with the new handles and haven't had any usability issues. And as a side note, please be less rude in your future comments...

[@richbuege6491]

@@TimNummy : With 44 years in the shops, then another twenty doing my own thing, I don't feel I have to be even civil when I see some ****** modifying something he doesn't even understand. Not that I'm inexperienced with the mini lathes, I just bought my second one, to fill in where my bigger machines are clumsy. The smaller the machine, the more critical every facet of it becomes if you want any degree of accuracy. And don't kid yourself, there isn't enough friction to prevent creeping because of your overweight handles. Vibration will soon take care of the friction. And yes, I saw your "bushing". The proper way to have done that would be to drill the hole first, then turn the bushing to fit, not turn the bushing then drill the hole somewhere to the nearest .015". I've made handles for a lot of machines, but not out of aluminum and knurled, out of stainless and polished. I used what's called a "stripper bolt" which has the threaded bit on the end then a ground shank going to a normal Allen cap. They're cheap. They're hard. They work well when put into a properly made bore. I have about .005 end play, and approximately .0005" fit between the bolt and the bore. I also don't make videos with information that I know is wrong. I've watched a few of your videos, the only comment is you'll never touch any machine I own.

[@TimNummy]

@@richbuege6491 I appreciate your experience but again, why do you think being so rudely entitled makes someone more open to anything else you have to say? These handles were literally the second thing I made on any lathe, ever. I guess 64 years back is too long ago to remember what it was like to be a novice and I think you're continuing to confuse climbing the learning curve with lack of ability and the way that you would solve a problem as the only possible correct solution. (and I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm just reminding you that you have an entire lifetime of experience that most people don't have) I made these handles to the best of my ability, at the time that I made them, to solve a problem that I had AND they work great for me. Beyond that, I made this video to show what I did and as a way to open a dialogue between offering possible inspiration on something that could be done on this lathe and to allow for constructive feedback. I'm very careful to avoid saying anything in my videos to suggest that I'm doing things correctly or that anything I do is best practice because I recognize that I don't know what the correct methods or best practices may be. I'm simply making videos of things that I'm doing. The most disappointing thing about this exchange is that you actually have a lot of decent advice in your comments but it's so tangled in weird spitefulness and insults that as much as I'd like to continue learning from you, it's impossible to get past your unpleasantly bitter attitude.

[@stan5513]

​@@TimNummy As a senior myself, I applaud your wonderfully written response to an all too common attack on youth by an old codger. Love your videos!

[@stephentayler1414]

@@TimNummy Ignore mr grumpy m8, you are doing OK. I wouldn't even have graced him with a reply myself, though your response was well written and to the point. I was a machinist before I was retired and I do not share or condone any of his views. You hit the nail on the head. It is made for you to use and it is comfortable for you to use and that is all that matters.Keep up the good work and ignore idiots like mr grumpy.