Carving Stand Update and Resolution

[David Bolson]

I had previously posted about using a photography ball head to create a carving stand. I appreciate all the responses and I investigated further.

I ended up ordering 2 things. A Panavise 400 which is a “heavy duty” vise that swivels on a ball head and that holds a 1” shaft. Together with that, I ordered a “carving stand” (click on “Faceplates” and scroll down) from wbnoble.com which consists of a 1.25 x 8 thread on a 1” shaft.

I received the Panavise 400 and it seems perfect for the task. However, after I ordered from wbnoble (paying with PayPal) and receiving no acknowledgement, I began to suspect that the website might be dead. I’ve received no response to my email.

So…

Can anyone confirm that wbnoble is no longer in business?

Does anyone know of another source for 1.25 x 8 thread on a 1” shaft?

I purchased with the Panavise a “heavy duty fixturing head” and I’m sure I could figure out a way to mount a chuck using that platform, but I was trying to keep it simple.

Any ideas appreciated.

PS - I didn’t order the Panavise stuff from Amazon. Zoro was much cheaper.

David

 

[James Seyfried]

I have the Panavise 400 and use it with a Woodcut pro-mount carving stand and really like it. That allows me to use a vacuum chuck, but a chuck mounted on a one inch shaft would also work nice with the Panavise.

I hope wbnoble.com isn't out of business, I would like to have another length 1" shaft for my setup.

 

[Ricc Havens]

Could you get one of these 1-1/4 X 8tpi chuck adapter and a piece of 1"O.D. alum rod cheap off amazon and use fit into the chuck adapter? you wouldn't have to thread the rod for the adapter you could just epoxy it together. You might had to uaw tour lathe and a HSS or carbide scraper to maybe machine it a little to fit into the adapter. But that's easy to do without a metal lathe. https://www.bmwoodturning.com/produ...1a6u8iH7NC2AFR9LWNvAnIqMNtF1wgKRoCs_oQAvD_BwE

 

[David Bolson]

Ricc, interesting idea. That sounds doable if the epoxy would hold.

 

[Ricc Havens]

-r maybe JB Weld 9f you don’t trust epoxy

 

[John K Jordan]

Does anyone know of another source for 1.25 x 8 thread on a 1” shaft?

You might try calling Best Wood Tools. I have a couple of their carving and finishing stands and some other things and the machining on everything is excellent. Maybe they have something or could adapt something or make you something from scratch.

Other possible options:
- weld a 1” rod to something with a 1-1/4x8 thread (maybe a bad spindle someone who’s replaced one on their lathe)
- buy the BWT 1-1/4x8 spindle extension and connect to a 1” length of rod.
- have a local machine shop make what you need from scratch - both operations, the threading and machining the 1” shaft are simple operations.

JKJ

 

[hughie]

Or use a tow ball to make your own

 

[David Bolson]

Just checking on options. Would this 3d printed chuck mount be strong enough to hold a chuck for carving?

 

[John K Jordan]

Would this 3d printed chuck mount be strong enough to hold a chuck for carving?

Could be worth a try. Having done a lot of 3D printing, I’m imagining the strength would depend on the type of filament used, the printer, if the temperature when printing was reasonable, and the force from the carving. Typical carving in turnings is controlled and not high impact.

Maybe you could get one, evaluate with some carving, and provide a review and details such as price and customer experience..

 

[Randy Heinemann]

Just out of curiosity, what did all this cost total?

 

[David Bolson]

Just out of curiosity, what did all this cost total?

$50 for the vise and $26 for the auxiliary platform. The 3d printed chuck mount is $6 plus $4 shipping if I go that route.I’m optimistic - The vise and platform seem very solid.

 

[David Bolson]

Update and Resolution:

When I didn’t hear from Noble, I ordered the 3D printed piece. Then I heard from Noble that he had been sick and that he would fulfill my order. So, now I’ve received both.

First, I tried out the printed one.






It seems well made and feels very sturdy in the hand. I mounted it to the auxiliary platform and mounted a chuck/bowl onto it. Again, it was sturdy and did not feel like it would break with normal usage. But it did have a very slight “give” when I pulled on it. I felt it would be fine for light usage such as carving with a dremel or using a burning with a pen. But any hammering with a chisel could be frustrating. Of course, it would be perfect for its intended use, which is to hang your chucks on a wall. I ordered this from Romans Printing. Good communication and fast service.

Then I received the Noble piece.





Robust and well made. I mounted it without needing the platform and it is rock solid. I’m very pleased with this combination and this is what I will use going forward. I would say that the only slight negative about the vise is that, although it rotates easily, it doesn’t rotate smoothly. There seem to be internal ridges that I suppose are there to make it hold more firmly. It’s not a problem in use, just would have been nice to have a smooth rotation.

PS - The last picture shows the vise bolted to a piece of wood that's being held in a vise. It works, but I intend to make a bit more elegant base.