For years I have transferred lathe faceplate projects from the inboard spindle to the outboard spindle. Since the outboard spindle is left-hand threaded, this meant dismounting the work from one faceplate and mounting it on another. I recently simplified this procedure by cross-threading a spindle-sized nut and welding it to a 6-in. disc of 1/4-in. steel. Now I can transfer the workpiece from inboard to outboard spindle without changing faceplates. If you tap the nut freehand you’ll undoubtedly have a bit of wobble at one position of the other. Cross-threading does weaken the threads. But they are strong enough to take the forces encountered on a wood lathe.

Johnathan D. Clark, Rochester, N.Y.

Fine Woodworking Magazine, December 1981 No. 31

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Double Sided Tape

A thin woven core makes XFasten tape strong yet not too thick (0.008 in.), and helps it hold powerfully without being difficult to peel off.

Buy at Amazon

Hedgehog featherboards

The Hedgehog's unique spiral shape and single knob make it easy to set up and fast to adjust.

Buy at Amazon

Incra Miter 1000HD

One of many extremely accurate Incra miter gauges, this model offers 180-degree adjustment to 1/10 of a degree, and a long, straight fence with a telescoping stop system.

Buy at Amazon