A Very Smooth Slide and Lock Mechanism

[rgsparber]

I recently built a device that had a rod that must smoothly slide yet firmly locks in place. Since I rarely throw anything away, a scrap of a Dr. Scholl's shoe insert saved the day.

If you are interested, please see

https://rick.sparber.org/SlideAndLock.pdf


Your comments are welcome. All of us are smarter than any one of us.


Thanks,

Rick

[jdurand]

On my mill I put a small puck of Delrin under the screws that lock the dials for X-Y-Z. I also changed out the grub screws for simple socket head cap screws and just make them finger tight. That was probably 15-20 years ago and I haven't changed them since.

I have no idea why they put grub screws in the dials as you have to reset them all the time (well, until I got a DRO). The Delrin works well enough for this, not the silicone grease drag you were looking for but enough so the dial can be lightly tightened and hold position.

[rgsparber]

On my mill I put a small puck of Delrin under the screws that lock the dials for X-Y-Z. I also changed out the grub screws for simple socket head cap screws and just make them finger tight. That was probably 15-20 years ago and I haven't changed them since.

I have no idea why they put grub screws in the dials as you have to reset them all the time (well, until I got a DRO). The Delrin works well enough for this, not the silicone grease drag you were looking for but enough so the dial can be lightly tightened and hold position.

Thanks for the great idea! I have the same problem on my lathe and you have furnished the ideal solution.

Rick

[DIYer]

Thanks rgsparber! We've added your Slide and Lock Mechanism to our Miscellaneous category,
as well as to your builder page: rgsparber's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Slide and Lock Mechanism by rgsparber

tags: lock

[ncollar]

Rick
Very nice fix for a problem I believe we all have had at one time or another. I have thrown many of the cut off pieces, I will put the next ones in the shop junk draw.
Good job.
Nelson