Tailstock problem, any ideas?

[Flathed]

Was wondering if anyone can help.Was using lathe yesterday without any problems.Its an older type Elu I got second hand ,but has been working well for past two years.Went to adjust tailstock today and the handwheel wont turn.The problem is I cant get it to turn enough to line up the hole in the wheel with plate removal screws in end of tailstock,which looks like the only way to inspect parts inside for wear.Have saturated the inner workings I can see with Lanox.Is there some other way to get the handwheel off,as its hollow through the centre and doesnt appear to have a retaining nut or screw.Very frustrating as its put a mates fishing lure order on hold.:oo:
Would appreciate anyones help

[Rod Gilbert]

Hi Flathed,
There some of these lathes around but not common so a photo may help those not familiar with the lathe to help with advise.
Regards Rod.

[KBs PensNmore]

As Rod said a photo will help. Ideally a close up of the end where the hand wheel is and another of the tailstock itself, as there may be screws or bolts that need to be undone, to get it apart.
Kryn

[Flathed]

Sorry guys,should have put these in first425187425189425191425192

[clear out]

Do the holes in the handwheel line up with the screws on the rear retaining plate?
Could you undo same with a screwdriver thru said holes?
Ditto if they are Allen headed items.
H.

Doh!? you can’t turn the handwheel to line em up!

[Xanthorrhoeas]

If there is no grub screw to lock the hand wheel on then there are only two choices I can see: either the hand wheel is a friction force fit on the shaft (possibly with a concealed keyway) or it is threaded on to the shaft. Having soaked it with Lanox it should be ready to come free with the appropriate force. I do not have one of these, and do not know anyone with one. However, surely somewhere on the internet there will be a manual. If not then you have two choices as I see it. Either try a gear/bearing puller to try to remove the handle/wheel along the shaft, or lock the shaft fom turning and use a rubber mallet or similar to try to unthread the handle from the shaft, probably in an anti-clockwise direction.

At the worst you will destroy the hand wheel and have to find a replacement. Otherwise you do not have a useful lathe.

Good luck!

[China]

What is the small item on top of the tail stock body, could be a stud to lock the mechanism in, removing it may allow the unit to slide out, may also be a stud that fits into a keyway, removal may also allow the barrel to come out, I
have seen similar scenarios over the years

[China]

This may help 425199

[Paul39]

Flathed,

Looking at the rusty looking nose of the tailstock leads me to believe you have an accumulation of rust in the barrel that finally locked it up.

My solution would be to wet the exposed barrel of the tail stock with penetrating oil and shine up the barrel with 400 grit sandpaper. More penetrating oil and wipe away any crud where the barrel goes into the housing. US brands of penetrating oil are WD40, Liquid Wrench, PB Blaster. My favorite is PB Blaster.

Get a heat gun or hair dryer and heat up the outside housing of the tail stock and squirt penetrating oil through the hollow, and at the front and back. With the tail stock hot and juice running out of everything turn the hand wheel back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. If you get any movement of the barrel in or out, it will come. Don't give up until you have give the wheel 50 twists or so.

If it doesn't move, heat it up and soak well and leave it overnight. In the morning, heat, oil, back and forth as above, adding whacking the barrel sticking out of the housing with a hardwood stick about 20mm square or round. You want sharp whacks to shock and vibrate to get oil to penetrate. Turn the hand wheel hard in the direction that pulls the barrel into the housing while beating on the end of the barrel to drive it in. Be ABSOLUTELY sure you are turning the wheel to bring the barrel in as apposed to driving it up against the stop.

What appears to be a screw on top of the housing may be the stop screw. Take that out and put oil down that. With the screw out you may be able to run the barrel all the way out toward the head stock. When you get the barrel out sand it smooth with 400 grit and wipe off with a rag. Wipe out the inside of the housing with a rag, and liberally wet the barrel with penetrating oil and run it in and out all the way 5 - 10 times, disassemble and wipe everything off with rag or paper towel. Repeat until you are getting only a little red gook. Lubricate with 20ish weight auto oil or light general purpose oil and put together.

Every year or two, take apart, clean, oil, and put back together. The lathe will thank you.

[Flathed]

Thanks China,when I got the lathe had no manuals etc with it.Hopefully can get the little pin out of the top of the tailstock.No luck yet.At worst will drill through handwheel to get screwdriver to the plate behind.Thanks again:2tsup:

[robyn2839]

I know its a stupid question but have you undone the plastic covered lock screw at the side of tailstock (the star shaped one that locks it

[Treecycle]

If you try to rock the handwheel back and forward is there any slight movement of the quill back and forward too (with the locking star knob loosened)? If there is, the handwheel screw must be stuck in the quill and some good soaking may allow it to release the thread. Do not put too much force on the handwheel as it is only plastic and moulded onto the screwed shaft.
What is the little item in the top? Is it a pin or a screw?

[Flathed]

Thanks Paul for the suggestions.Between that and China's diagram was finally able to remove the top pin and rotate the barrel till the screws lined up with the handwheel hole.The barrel is now out and upright with Penetrene soaking in it.Going away for a couple of days and will try your heat suggestion when I get back.
When I bought the lathe it had been sitting in the old guys shed for several years and I should have done a complete overhall then.Only dealt with what was visible,too eager to try it out.Hence paying for it now.Will follow your instructions once I get it apart.:fingerscrossed:Thanks again to every one who made suggestions.This forum has helped me out a couple of times