How to adjust the tailstock on a lathe

[Ulises Victoria]

Hello all.
I just noticed that when I engage the tailstock against the mandrel, and after pushing the tailstock lever to snug it, if I then try to snug the live center by means of turning the quill handle, the whole tailstock starts moving backwards, a few millimeters at a time. Is this normal? Shouldn't the tailstock remain unmovable after tightening? I tried to adjust the nut under the tailstock, but there is a point when it will not move, and if I loosen it to slide easily the tailstock, this will move as described above.
What is a good method to find out what the proper setting of these pieces is?

Hope I make sense.

Thank you all in advance.

 

[aplpickr]

This is a common problem

A lot of small lathes have this problem. Many use locking nuts that have plastic/nylon inserts. After some time, the inserts wear out and cause slipping. There are people making rectangular locking plates that have much more contact area between the ways and the plate.

Adjusting the nut is a frustrating trip. Between too tight and too loose make adjustments of a SIXTEENTH of a turn. Sometimes just put pressure on a turn, but do not actually conciously move it. Good luck.

 

[opfoto]

I am one who bought the mod for my mini tailstock.....I believe I got it from Johnnycnc. 5 min to install and no problems with tailstock creep as we called it back in the day.

 

[rherrell]

I am one who bought the mod for my mini tailstock.....I believe I got it from Johnnycnc. 5 min to install and no problems with tailstock creep as we called it back in the day.

I agree, Johnny makes a great product!

If you don't want to purchase a new nut then try gluing some sandpaper to the existing one, that MIGHT work, dunno, never tried it, sounds logical though!:biggrin: