I had a bad fall some months back and damaged my left shoulder. I am now starting to get back in the workshop but I find that winding the Z axis crank on a Bridgeport mill is hard going for my left arm. As a result I am considering using a long stroke hydraulic jack to replace the current screw lift but the easiest way would be to buy a ready made electric winder, but I have heard reports of short life spans.

I measured the torque required to wind the handle to be between 90 and 110 inch lbf and the following unit is claimed to be rated for 650 inch lbs. That suggests that it should have a long life span.

This post is directed at those with real world experience with these Z axis winders. Are they worth fitting?

Z axis power feed advice sought-bridgeport_winder.jpg