[Chevy-SS]

I'm a relative newbie machinist, doing limited quantity manufacturing of small parts. I recently bought a X2 benchtop mill and added a DRO and a x-axis powerfeed.

The x-axis powerfeed is REAL handy, but it totally sucks when I want to crank the x-axis by hand, as the powerfeed adds a lot of resistance to the handcrank. I would really like some sort of quick disconnect coupler that would allow me to freely rotate the handcrank, yet quickly get the powerfeed back in operation.

I would love to hear some ideas on a coupler or maybe even a new powerfeed.

thanks

[HuFlungDung]

That sucks. The more expensive power feeds for mills have a built in clutch which disengages the power feed. I've seen these units for $350 but they are made for larger mills, and may be too bulky to fit your application.

You'd have to open up the coupling on yours, with some sort of face jaw clutch, but you would need to create a bit of a slideway and a thrust device to allow for engagement/disengagement in place of the solid coupling. To make this all 'handy to use' would be quite a challenge. Sounds like a lot of work.

[Chevy-SS]

........some sort of face jaw clutch, but you would need to create a bit of a slideway and a thrust device to allow for engagement/disengagement in place of the solid coupling. To make this all 'handy to use' would be quite a challenge. Sounds like a lot of work.

Yeah, I was thinking along same lines, but it seems like too much work. I'd rather just spend the $350 and get one already made up, if possible.

thanks