Sight glass help

[fireguyfire]

I’m refreshing my late 1970’s Luxcut 1136 lathe including full disassembly and fresh paint.
On disassembling the carriage assembly the oil sight glass fell into 3 pieces on me.
This is a Taiwanese lathe and it uses a push in style sight glass with the small dimension of 19mm, and the larger size recess of 24mm.
I’ve been cruising online and I can’t seem to find a sight glass in that size at all.
Any suggestions on where I might find one in that size? Or any other options?

 

[DavidR8]

Likely your best option is to make a new one from a length of acrylic rod.

 

[PeterT]

check out this post for some discussion

Post in thread 'Kubota L3400 DT transmission sight glass'

Sep 7, 2026

Where does one get cast acrylic from?

I usually go to Norwesco Industries here in YYC for specialty plastics. I’m sure there are many other places.

The stick used in this project was part of a tool-buy: “mystery plastic included”. Turning it showed that it was cast not extruded. I have tried the stuff sold at hardware stores, it is usually extruded and “shatters” when machined. Also, these stores usually don’t have anything bigger than about 3/4”. This solid rod is 1.5”.

FYI you can get small discs of glass in flat or domed shape.

Good to know, thanks!

I did make a disc...

• RobinHood

• 

 

[ChazzC]

The other alternative is to get cast Acrylic sheet/plate the appropriate thickness, cut out a square and pressure turn the OD & shoulder.

I made a similar sight glass for a government surplus lathe this way a little over 50 years ago.

Make a couple while you are at it.

 

[van123d]

if it is just a flat round glass you are looking for check out watch crystals.

For my monarch lathe I ordered 2mm x 23.9mm round mineral crystal. They were only a couple of bucks each. I think I have extras still if it works for you.