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Spindle adaptor

1K views 6 replies 6 participants last post by  wormil 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hello,

I am very new to wood turning and am having a difficult time trying to figure out the actual size of my spindle. The wood lathe is a very cheap, China made, 1/2 HP w/ no serial or model number. It was an early X-mas gift from the wife. I know the rule 'you get what you pay for', but just getting into this and all the associated cost up front drove me to pick a cheap model so if, by chance, I don't get into this like i think i will, at least i will have a useful tool for small projects, or am not out very much money.

I have heard Penn State industries and Teknatool make spindle adapters to fit 'off-size' lathes so i can get the more common thread pattern, 1" x 8TPI, as i am wanting to get the Nova 3G 4 jaw chuck. My problem is i cannot figure out this thread pattern. Pics uploaded in both Metric and US of measurements. If someone could please tell me what i am working with, I would greatly appreciate it. I have sent several emails to multiple companies who make these, but no one is responding and i am anxious to get this tool so i can have more options in turning, bowls, etc….
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#2 · (Edited by Moderator)
Can't tell if it's a metric or SAE thread… might be a 5/8 or 3/4 X 12TPI, but difficult to tell. And given it's an asian import, may very well be metric. Do you have a tap and die set? Would be easy to determine with a thread gauge. Another alternative would be to find a nut that fits on the spindle, either from scrounging in your garage (if you have a stash like I do, that would be easy!) or getting an assortment of 'maybe' sizes from your local hardware store.

Cheers,
Brad
 
#3 ·
Sure appears to be metric. M18 X 2. The closest SAE would be 11/16-12 but the major diameter is a bit big for that and the thread pitch is quite a bit off. The diameter and pitch are just about dead on for the metric thread though. Easiest way to tell is see if you can find a nut somewhere (Fastenal, Hardware store) and see if it fits or use a die like Brad said ^ if you have one that size. If you can't do either of those, pick up a 12 tpi SAE bolt/screw (diameter doesn't matter) and a metric bolt/screw with a 2mm pitch. Lay the bolts on your threads and see which one interlocks perfectly.
 
#4 ·
Brad/Kenny,

Thank you both for the reply. My closest match, by researching, leads me to believe it is M18×2 as well. I have made it by 4 different hardware stores(Fastenal, Ace, NAPA, and another) and everything jumps from M16 to M20, so i can't find a nut to buy, so that was one of the main reasons for posting here. I think i will go buy a thread gauge today to get to the bottom of it.

Either way, appreciate the responses. Quickest I've got from anyone. Will update if I find out for anyone else that might come in this predicament.
 
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