Tom, great idea, and I'll definitely look at it closer. The width and extension laterally from the face of the chuck mean that the handwheel is probably not going to wind up under it all the way. After reading your post and seeing your drawing, I think what I may do instead is put one that slants from right to left to direct the runoff like a gutter, towards the headstock. That would preserve the clearance needed for the compound and toolpost and direct it from the handwheel.
Trip Bauer
Former USN HT
Everlast 200DX New Model
Hobart Handler 125 MIG
Van Norman #12
Atlas 12" engine lathe
'98 RoadKing - 84 Ironhead - 59 Ironhead