Bridgeport Quill Downfeed Lever

[paulsomlo]

Can anyone tell me how the pin is supposed to be retained in the handle? Admittedly, I don't know that this is the original pin.

 

[Grant Gunderson]

I’d suggest replacing it with a tri spike form HW machine.

i find it’s way more convenient.

 

[paulsomlo]

I don't actually own a Bport - I got two of these handles in an auction lot and same story with both of them - I can't figure out how the hidden end of the pin retains in the handle.

 

[Grant Gunderson]

I don't actually own a Bport - I got two of these handles in an auction lot and same story with both of them - I can't figure out how the hidden end of the pin retains in the handle.

My first photo above shows the pin properly installed. It’s the fulcrum for the lever. Here is a shot with the cover off.

here is a shot with the handle removed and the lock pin in its T slot.

 

[paulsomlo]

Ah... thank you very much Grant - the pin I'm referring to is the lock pin, but my handles both have circular cross sections, rather than rectangular. Each one has a small blind hole, rather than a t slot. I'm at a loss as to how the lock pin was retained in the movable part - I don't think press fit, because it needs to pivot slightly.

 

[Grant Gunderson]

Can you take pics of the same angles I did?

 

[paulsomlo]

Sure

 

[Grant Gunderson]

Is that lock pin tapered? That would keep it from falling out and then no need for it to be attached to the lever arm.

looking at your photo it looks like the hole that holds the pin in the handle has become elongated so it most likely originally was a press fit. Does the pivot hole in the handle have enough slop for it too still work if it was pressed in?

regardless the handles are so cheap it’s probably not worth much effort to fix if it’s not a simple press fit or tapper pin.

 

[paulsomlo]

Nope, measures about 0.187 at either end, but I don't think it's the original pin.

Tapering would keep it from falling out, but what would enable it to retract when repositioning the handle?

 

[bugnut]

comparing Grant handle to the OP post is it possible the spring provides enough tension to hold the pin in place? And then stake the ends of the pin, Also noted is that Grants first image is a roll pin not a straight dowel. just thinking outloud....

 

[paulsomlo]

Is that lock pin tapered? That would keep it from falling out and then no need for it to be attached to the lever arm.

looking at your photo it looks like the hole that holds the pin in the handle has become elongated so it most likely originally was a press fit. Does the pivot hole in the handle have enough slop for it too still work if it was pressed in?

regardless the handles are so cheap it’s probably not worth much effort to fix if it’s not a simple press fit or tapper pin.

The pivot hole measures about 0.191, so pretty close. I'm assuming the Bport accepts a 0.187 pin. I suppose I could ask over on practicalmachinist.com, some over there will have the same style handle.

comparing Grant handle to the OP post is it possible the spring provides enough tension to hold the pin in place? And then stake the ends of the pin, Also noted is that Grants first image is a roll pin not a straight dowel. just thinking outloud....

The pin I'm referring to is the one that engages the mill.

 

[no704]

I’ve seen lots that just sit there, not retained by anything, have to be careful not to loose it!

 

[paulsomlo]

I’ve seen lots that just sit there, not retained by anything, have to be careful not to loose it!

Yes, but there has to be a way for the engagement pin to retract when actuating the spring loaded handle.

 

[bugnut]

Oops got it now my bad, I reread everything and understand your question.