There’s no clicking unless I press down the lever, and I think they’re added features to this thing which feel like a set point but are false.

I tried that just for you. Sadly, it didn’t open.

Automation would have made this quicker, but I didn’t have on-hand any stepper motors nor microswitches to rig up a machine to try all combinations. Perhaps the greatest outstanding issue was how to actually press down the lever to “try” each combination. That would require some sort of solenoid, and at that point, I figure this will just be a passive manual activity, to do when watching TV or winding down before bed.

As for carpal tunnel, the design is meant to reduce that risk, because this wheel minimizes finger manipulations. Indeed, without using any fingers, I could turn this wheel using a pen, Cruella De Ville’s cigarette holder, or any number of other instruments that replaces a finger. If nothing else, because the diameter is 180 mm, turning this thing is more of a forearm exercise. I actually considered adding a spinner knob, like those used on an automobile steering wheel.

Well, since I’ve already linked to two of my not-quite-a-lathe projects, I might as well link to the one which started it all: https://sh.itjust.works/post/16087080

This one does have a motor, but not a conventional one at all. And this only worked because the thing I’m turning would need a center hole drilled through anyway.

Thank you for the kind words! All of the tools I used were things that were laying around. I’m marginally better at woodworking than metalworking, so that’s why the jig holding the bar was all wood.

I did think about attaching the motor from a disused drill press to spin the bar, but that seemed like it would invite all manner of complexity.

Lathe is in my future, but I kinda want a CNC first. But a CNC lathe would be god-tier.

I am a big fan of makeshift lathes, for tasks that don’t necessitate a full metal workshop. Though I do hope to have a small lathe one day.