Lead Screw Handles & Mini-Lathes!

摘要

Why is it that Myford lathes have a leadscrew handle but none of the smaller imported lathes have this facility? (Dangerous word, 'none'; there is always an exception to the rule hidden amongst the swarf!) There doesn't even appear to be the option to retro fit one. I owned a Myford Speed 10 from new for 32 years and found the leadscrew handle invaluable. Am I alone in thinking this or have I been missing something? The 10 did have the facility for power feed to the leadscrew and it had a dog clutch but I rarely used this option. I appreciate that the top slide can always be used for turning short lengths, providing it is set correctly, and the use of a powered leadscrew should, in theory, result in a more uniform surface finish but that does not eliminate the usefulness of being able to turn the leadscrew manually. Phew - I rest my case.