Best way to drill/tap a lathe carriage

[T0rnado69]

hi all
i want to drill and tap two holes in the end of the carriage
what would be the best way to do this.

i guess trying to drill them with the carriage on the lathe with a power drill would be hard.

so really the best way i can think of
would be to take the carriage off and drill on a pillar drill.....?

and I don't have a mag drill.... unless someone close to me does.



thoughts....

cheers all

[mekanik]

If i had to do it i would just make a drilling jig, located and secured on the two tapped holes that secure the handwheel leadscrew assembly.something nice and flat(obviously) with a couple of decent size holes on your required pitch then make two sleeves a good push fit into your base, make sleeves also for your tapping drill and your tap.
Regards
Mike

[magicniner]

I have an M10 stainless repair washer with one side ground flat and mirror polished, if the drill bit in the reflection looks like it's in a straight line with the actual bit then the bit is perpendicular to the mirror surface.
I superglue the washer centered on the punch mark and have at it with a battery drill, keeping the bit and it's reflection aligned,

- Nick

[T0rnado69]

mekanik that's a good idea and worth a try.
though i don't know how hard its going to be to drill it
il take some measurements for making the jig.
cheers.

cheers magicniner

[mekanik]

When you make the sleeve for the jig plate have a reasonable size flange butting up to the plate and push it in with your vice this will make sure it's square.
I have something in the shed if i can find it, i will try and upload a picture.
Regards
Mike

[mekanik]

Hope this makes it a bit clearer.
Mike