Resettable handwheels for the Unimat 3.

Resettable handwheels are, as far as I'm concerned, a must on a lathe. Others will no doubt disagree, but when you've used full sized lathes with indexable handwheels you do wonder how folk manage without them. The ability to 'zero' the dial in any position is very usefull either when taking a cut on a diameter or when turning to length as the position of the tool can be marked by setting the dial to zero, then when the tool is moved the original setting can be easily returned to.

I bought a set of 3 'precision' handwheels from an ebay seller. These are genuine Emco products, part number 171900, and are sold as suitable for the Unimat 3, 4 and Basic. They are made of plastic with metal handles (which model engineering theorists will no doubt hate) and cost me the princely sum of £48 including postage. Other aftermarket handwheels are available from time to time, usually made from steel and of course more expensive.

Note the cover has been removed on the handwheel on the right, easily done by inserting a knife blade into a small slot.

The first job is to remove the existing 'wheel,using an 8mm spanner;

The new 'wheel is just a straight swap,but you do need an 8mm socket fitted to a ratchet or spinner to re-fit the nut.

Once the backlash is set, a trial and error job involving tightening the nut, checking the movement by turning the handwheel back and forth, loosening the nut, moving the handwheel slightly, tightening the nut etc. the cover can be clipped back in place.
I fitted the second handwheel onto the longitudinal shaft;

I didn't bother to swap the tailstock handwheels over as I rarely feel the need to set a zero when drilling.
The machine with both 'wheels fitted;

And a comparison between the old and new;

Initial impressions are good despite the divisions being printed rather than moulded. Time and use will of course confirm whether these are a good investment or not.
Now I should really get my finger out and make something on this machine!

Paul.