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

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