In article , DoN. Nichols wrote:
In article L_JEb.89737$8y1.292664@attbi_s52,
Loren Coe wrote:

[ ... ]

this sounds like a decent project, i need to start doing some more
research. i never thought i would need much threading and that has
been true, but it still would be fun to accomplish.

Once you have the capability to do threading easily, you'll find
more and more uses for it. (One feature is getting the spindle speed
down slow enough so your reflexes are adequate without training. :-)

[ ... ]

You mean push it along -- no handwheel to move it?

yes, push it, but the handwheel is on the tail end of the screw.
[ ... ]
The ShopTask, however, has a dog clutch (which enages only at
one point in the rotation), to couple the spindle's rotation to the
leadscrew. (It also achieves reverse, by connecting to a
counter-rotating gear with a second dog clutch enaged by the same
lever.)

yes, that is what i _thought_ i had. this clutch is located in the base
of the pedestal and from the drawing, it looks like two "spiders" with
four legs. maybe that is a "dog clutch"? but just the one clutch.

Well ... the way I've been using the term (which may be
incorrect) is that a dog clutch goes from free rotation to locked with
no friction slip between the two. There are various ways to do this.

i tested it tonight, at it works well under power (at the lowest rpm)
and will make the machine a bit easier to use. i also tried the speed
clutch, it also cycles smoothly under power. in toto, a great outcome
(the speed control affects only the leadscrew or mill the head).

another poster suggested it s/b okay to use w/power on. will pull
that cover plate and then maybe give it a try. Thanks, --Loren

I suspect that you can. The Shoptask one seems to be so
designed, at least. Good Luck, DoN.

yes, indeed, thanks for the feedback, to both of you guys.

Happy Holidays, --Loren