Home Ā· Machine Tool Accessories Ā· Handwheels & Handles
What Is the 6-Inch Aluminium Machine Handwheel with Foldable Handle?
This 6-inch aluminium handwheel is a manual control component for milling machines, lathes, and general industrial machinery. The 150mm (6-inch) outer diameter provides ample leverage for precise manual positioning of tool carriages, cross slides, table feeds, and valve actuators. Machined from solid aluminium alloy, the wheel body resists corrosion and offers a lightweight yet rigid feel in operation. The standout feature is the foldable revolving handle -- when not in use, the handle folds flat against the wheel face, reducing the risk of snagging clothing, catching on nearby equipment, or causing injury in tight workspace areas. A central key groove (keyway) machined into the hub bore ensures positive, slip-free rotation when mounted on a keyed shaft, transmitting torque without relying solely on set-screw friction.
In short: A 6-inch aluminium machine handwheel with a fold-down revolving handle and keyed hub bore -- a practical manual control upgrade for lathes, mills, and machinery requiring precise hand-fed positioning. Supplied new by koeed.com.
Technical Specifications
| Outer Diameter |
6 inches (approx. 150 mm) |
| Body Material |
Aluminium Alloy |
| Handle Type |
Foldable Revolving Handle |
| Hub Feature |
Key Groove (Keyway) machined in hub bore |
| Spoke Design |
Multi-spoke (typically 3-spoke solid) |
| Finish |
Natural aluminium (may have clear anodized or polished finish) |
| Quantity |
6 pieces (set of six) |
Always verify the hub bore diameter and keyway width against your shaft dimensions before ordering. Handwheel hub dimensions vary by manufacturer. If your shaft is metric, confirm the keyway matches ISO metric key sizes.
Typical Applications
-
Manual Lathe Carriage Feed: Direct-mount on the carriage handwheel shaft for smooth, controlled tool positioning during turning operations
-
Milling Machine Table Control: Replaces worn or damaged table feed handwheels on Bridgeport-style and similar knee mills
-
Valve Actuator Handwheel: Manual override handwheel for gate valves, globe valves, and butterfly valve gearboxes in process piping
-
Press and Shear Adjustments: Manual adjustment wheels for setting stroke depth, back-gauge position, and blade clearance on stamping and shearing equipment
-
Custom Machine Builder Projects: OEM-fit handwheel for homemade CNC conversions, router gantry adjusters, and specialty machinery builds
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure my shaft to confirm this handwheel will fit?
Measure the shaft diameter at the handwheel mounting location with a caliper or micrometer. For keyed shafts, measure the keyway width (the slot in the shaft) and depth. Compare these to the handwheel hub's bore diameter and key groove dimensions. A proper fit should be a sliding or light-push fit -- not excessively loose. If the bore is slightly undersized, a machine shop can ream it to size.
Does the foldable handle lock in the open position during use?
The foldable handle mechanism uses a spring-loaded detent or friction hinge that holds the handle in the extended (open) position during normal operation. When you need to fold it, a firm push overcomes the detent and the handle swings flat. It does not lock rigidly -- it is designed to fold under intentional force, not to withstand side impacts. For heavy cranking, keep your grip centered on the revolving handle portion rather than the hinge joint.
Does this handwheel include the mounting key and set screw?
Typically, aluminium handwheels are supplied as the wheel-and-handle assembly only. The key stock (square or rectangular key) and set screw(s) for the hub are often sourced separately, as they must match your specific shaft dimensions. Standard metric or inch key stock is readily available from industrial supply stores. Confirm whether your hub uses one or two set screws (often positioned 90 degrees apart, one bearing on the key and one on the shaft).
Can aluminium handwheels handle heavy-duty industrial use?
For manual (human-powered) operation, aluminium is more than adequate and offers the advantage of low rotational inertia -- the wheel starts and stops quickly when you apply or release force. However, in applications where the handwheel may be struck by falling objects, subjected to impact loads, or used as a leverage point for pipe wrenches, cast iron or steel handwheels are more appropriate. Aluminium can gall if the set screw is overtightened against a hardened steel shaft, so use moderate torque on hub fasteners.
Why six pieces -- can I buy a single handwheel?
This listing is for a set of six handwheels, which provides excellent value for machine shop setups requiring multiple identical controls (e.g., a lathe with carriage, cross-slide, and tailstock handwheels, plus spares). If you only need one handwheel, contact KOEED -- we may be able to supply individual units or recommend a single-unit alternative from our catalog.
Need Machine Tool Accessories? Request Your Quote
Send your part numbers or requirements to Moritta@KOEED.COM for pricing within 24 hours.
Request a Quote
Looking for More Industrial Parts?
KOEED stocks a broad range of automation and machine components. Browse Mitsubishi, FANUC, and Yaskawa collections.
Submit RFQ
6-Inch Aluminium Machine Handwheel with Foldable Handle ā Supplied by koeed.com. All trademarks are property of their respective owners.