Faceplate style preference?

[90LX_Notch]

Since my Rivett 608 uses an odd ball spindle thread (2 1/16-10) I had to buy an unmachined backplate for it in order to make a faceplate.  Rivett originally offered an 8" faceplate with four t-slots as well as four open slots.  They also offered a seven inch faceplate with 49 tapped holes.

My original plan was to make it with the tapped holes.  I am now wondering which style would be better?  I already machined the 2 1/16-10 threads and am ready to finish the plate.  Tapping 49 holes is the easy option.  I have everything necessary to do it.  If I t-slot it, I need to buy a cutter.

Opinions on which style would be more versitile are greatly appreciated.

[Alan Haisley]

If it has T-slots and you need a tapped hole, just add it. 


Alan

[Jo]

Mr Silky's  one has four tee slots and tapped holes

Jo

[90LX_Notch]

Thanks Alan and Jo; your input is apprecited.

[cwelkie]

FWIW - I prefer the T-slot style as well.  There seems to be a lot less fumbling around when doing a setup on the faceplate.

Here's a photo of a faceplate I added to a larger faceplate.  The large one has huge (wide) but short slots that were next to useless for what I do most of the time.  You'll see an oddity on my addition - two parallel T-slots to suit a Keats Angle Plate.  Makes setting that up easier as well because I don't have to worry about changing slots as it moves closer to or further from centre.

Charlie

[kvom]

After some years looking i found a 10" d1-3 faceplate for my lathe.  It has t-slots and no holes.  Haven't used it yet and haven't made t-nuts to fit either.  I do have an idea for its use in the near future.

[steamer]

Lots of tapped holes works well....having an accurate reamed hole for a pin that is dead on center is very nice to have.

[Jo]

Bob there is nothing wrong with having slots all the way through the faceplate rather than Tee slots if you don't have the cutter and there is space behind for the heads of the nuts  .

Jo

[90LX_Notch]

Thanks everyone for your input.  Charlie that is very handy.  Dave I agree. I've have tapped fixtures ("mini pallets").  Jo when I stated open slots above I should have stated through slots.  Bad description on my part.  Rivett's one offering had both t-slots and thru-slots. 

-Bob