One recent innovation of great use is the Magnetic Switch, and Jon Magill introduced the use of this for the Cross Slide when he demonstrated at the 2016 AAW conference in Atlanta.
Jon had mounted the Cross Slide onto a piece of MDF that is 3/4" thick, and put two mag switches into the board also : one on each side of the Cross Slide. This allowed for easy movement of the cross slide around on a sheet of steel (at least 16 gauge thick).
Magswitch Magnetic Jigs
When the Cross Slide was in the general area where Jon needed it, he locked it in place with the mag switches, and worked away.
This is a really great innovation worth adapting if you pursue an MDF Rose Engine Lathe. An example of the mag switch in use is in the video below. It is for a different purpose, but useful to show how the mag switches work.
Disclaimer : eMail comments to me at OTBookOfKnowledge @ Gmail.com. The process of woodturning involves the use of tools, machinery and materials which could cause injury or be a health hazard unless proper precautions are taken, including the wearing of appropriate protective equipment.
