Knurled adjustment screws and a shortened hex key make quick work of tailstock adjustment. (Click on photo for larger image.)
Brian James of Amsterdam sent the above photo of his solution to being able to quickly remove and/or readjust the tailstock. First, he replaced the two attachment screws that hold the brass gib to the tailstock, saying he found it time-consuming and difficult to adjust them from below with a hex key. He made custom knurled screws that can be adjusted and tightened with no tools other than your fingers. They are then locked in place from above with the set screws just like before. Also you will notice that he has shortened a 5/32" hex key and left it in place in the locking screw that secures the tailstock in place. This saves fishing around for one every time you need to move the tailstock. The shorter wrench still provides plenty of leverage for tightening, and lessens the chance of overtightening. Exact dimensions are not critical on these parts, and the photo should be enough to get you started with a similar modification of your own should you choose to add this to your lathe.
CLICK HERE for a dimensioned drawing of the special knurled screws and shortened hex key. (Drawing: Brian James)
A shortened 5/32" hex key makes a tailstock locking lever that can be left in place. The first photo shows the standard key and the shortened version with wood dowel handle. The handle glued in place is shown in the right-hand photo. (Click on either photo to view a larger image.)
Most Sherline machinists who have purchased a machine and a few accessories have probably collected several 5/32" hex keys. These engage the most common fastener on Sherline machines and accessories, the 10-32 socket screw. Larry took one of his and cut it down. He then center drilled a small painted wooden dowel and pressed it on the long end to make for a larger diameter to grip while adjusting. Exact dimensions are not critical, so you can look at the photos above and easily make one that suits your needs. Larry used a little silicon glue to glue the lever into the head of the tailstock locking screw. It can be easily removed if needed, but it keeps it from falling out due to vibration during machining.
See also Tip 49 for commercially available quick-locking handles and Tip 57 for another way to treat the end of the lever for good grip.
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