Little Machine Shop 1012 User manual

Mini Lathe Users Guide
Model 1012 (7" x 12") • Model 1014 (7" x 14")
from LittleMachineShop.com®

Updated 4/5/2023 © 2023 LittleMachineShop.com Page 2 of 45
© Copyright 2023 LittleMachineShop.com®
All rights reserved.
Written by LittleMachineShop.com®
The mini lathe users guide in intended to present the general operation of your new
machine. It is not intended to be complete reference on machinist's best practices,
machine shop safety or as a technical reference. For more comprehensive guides on
numerous related topics, visit www.littlemachineshop.com.
Version 1, August 2022
LittleMachineShop.com
396 W. Washington Blvd. #500, Pasadena, CA 91103
[phone] • Fax [phone]
www.littlemachineshop.com

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Contents
Mini Lathe Specifications .................. 4
Safety Considerations ...................... 5
General Safety............................ 5
Lathe Safety .............................. 5
Electrical Safety.......................... 5
Machine Safety ........................... 6
Unpacking & Preparing for Use ........... 7
Initial Cleaning ........................... 7
Mini Lathe Assembly ..................... 7
Mounting the Lathe ...................... 8
Mini Lathe Components .................... 9
Headstock ................................10
Gear Drive................................10
Tailstock..................................11
Carriage/Saddle .........................11
Motor......................................11
Lathe Operations and Maintenance .....12
Starting Procedure ......................12
Other Considerations Each Time You
Start the Lathe ..........................13
Maintenance .............................14
Cleaning ..................................14
Lubrication ...............................15
Adjustments ................................16
Carriage ..................................16
Cross Slide Gibs..........................17
Cross Slide Nut...........................17
Compound Rest Gibs ....................18
Apron Position ...........................18
Tailstock Position .......................19
Half Nuts .................................20
Lead Screw Mounting ...................20
Overview of Lathe Operations ...........21
Basic Turning.............................21
Turning Setup............................21
Manual Turning ..........................23
Turning with Auto Feed ................24
Bevel Cutting............................ 25
Screw Cutting ........................... 25
Facing .................................... 26
Turning Angles .......................... 27
Using A Lathe Chuck ...................... 27
Mounting Work in a 3-Jaw Chuck .... 27
Changing Chuck Jaws .................. 28
Grinding Tool Bits ......................... 29
How to Grind Tool Bits ................ 30
Grind the Front Relief ................. 30
Grind the Left Side Relief............. 30
Grind the Top Rake .................... 30
Round the Nose ......................... 30
Tool Post ................................... 31
Adjusting Tool Bit Height ............. 31
Quick Change Tool Post ............... 31
Changing Gears for Cutting Threads ... 32
Gear Chart for Cutting Imperial
Threads (Inch) .......................... 34
Gear Chart for Cutting Metric Threads
(mm) ..................................... 34
Threading Dial .......................... 35
Threading Dial Divisions ............... 35
Threading Process ...................... 36
Tool Bits ................................. 36
Compound Angle........................ 37
Setting the Cutting Tool............... 37
Optional Accessories...................... 38
Common Accessories................... 38
Tooling Packages ....................... 39
Replacement Parts........................ 39
Parts drawing Model 1012 ............... 40
Parts List Model 1012..................... 41
Parts drawing Model 1014 ............... 43
Parts List Model 1014..................... 44
Wiring Diagram (100-120V) .............. 45

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Mini Lathe Specifications
The following specifications apply to both the 7" x 12" lathe (model #1012) and the 7" x
14" lathe (model #1014). Naturally the distance between centers and weights are model
specific.
Swing over bed 7.1" (180 mm)
Swing over saddle 4.3" (110 mm)
Between centers
Model: #1012 11.81" (300 mm)
Model: #1014 13.78" (350 mm)
Spindle taper Morse taper 3
Tailstock taper Morse taper 2
Spindle bore 0.79" (20 mm)
Cross slide travel 2.56" (65 mm)
Compound rest travel 2.17" (55 mm)
Spindle speed 100-2500 RPM
Low 100-1100 RPM (±10%)
High 100-2500 RPM (±10%)
Lead Screw Pitch 16 TPI
Feed rate 0.004" (0.1 mm) / revolution
Dial Graduations 1.0 mm
Range of threads 12-52 TPI (0.3-8 mm)
Power requirements 120 V 60 Hz 5 Amps
Spindle motor output 0.34 hp (250 Watts)
Machine Weight
Model: #1012 80 lbs (36 kg)
Model: #1014 86 lbs (39 kg)
Crated Weight
Model: #1012 110 lbs (50 kg)
Model: #1014 119 lbs (54 kg)

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Safety Considerations
Always use common sense when using a power tool. Besides the general safety rules for
any power tool, following also are specific considerations for the mini lathe.
General Safety
•Use common sense. Think through the results of your actions before you act.
•Understand the operation of the machine. Do not operate the machine if you do not know
what is going to happen.
•Learn, don’t experiment. Study, understand, and do things where you have a clear
expectation of the outcome. Don’t "see what will happen".
•You are responsible for your own actions. LittleMachineShop.com cannot held responsible
for your actions when you use the machine.
Lathe Safety
•Your mini lathe is just that, a mini, or small lathe. Don’t attempt jobs that are beyond its
capacity.
•Check the workpiece after you place it in the chuck or other work holding device. Be sure
it is secure before turning on the lathe.
•Don’t wear loose clothing or jewelry when operating the lathe.
•Stop the spindle and make sure the machine is in a safe condition before:
oOpening or removing safety shields
oReaching into work area
oChanging or adjusting tools
oChanging or adjusting workpieces
oChanging speed ranges
oClearing chips or coolant
•Inspect cutting tools for sharpness, chips, and cracks before each use. Replace dull,
chipped, or cracked cutting tools immediately.
•Handle cutting tools with care. Cutting edges are very sharp and can cause lacerations.
•Do not use unbalanced workpieces or fixtures in the spindle
•Remove all tools (wrenches, chuck keys, locking pins, etc.) from the spindle immediately
after using them.
Electrical Safety
•Plug the machine into a grounded receptacle. Note that the machine does not work
properly on a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacle.
•Ensure that all components are properly grounded. The easiest way to ensure this is to
plug your machines and devices into grounded outlets that you have tested.
•Use caution when using liquids and electricity. Ensure that coolants and lubricants are
kept away from high voltage electrical components.
•Disconnect all components from the power receptacle before servicing.
•In the event of a power outage, turn off all components to ensure that the machine does
not restart unexpectedly.

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Machine Safety
•Keep bystanders, children, and visitors a safe distance away while operating any power
tool.
•Read the manual. Know the operation of every control before you attempt any operation
of the machine.
•Make sure that all guards are in place and functioning before operating the machine.
•Check for damage and abnormal wear before operating the machine.
•Always wear safety glasses (side shields are recommended) that are ANSI Z87.1-2003
compliant.
•Wear hearing protection (ear plugs or earmuffs) when operating loud machines.
•Wear appropriate clothing, no rings, gloves, neckties, jewelry, or loose-fitting garments.
Bind long hair or wear a hat.
•Do not use compressed air for cleaning machines. A shop vacuum works well and is much
safer.
•Don’t operate machinery while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
•Ensure that your machines are well lit. Ensure that your shop is well lit and have
additional task lighting where appropriate.
•Maintain a clean and uncluttered work area.
•Avoid pinch points.
•Never leave a running machine unattended.
•Do not force or overload machinery.
•Use appropriate cutting tools with appropriate feeds and speed.
•Cutting tools get hot during use and can cause burns if handled inappropriately.
•Do not attempt to use workpieces that are too large or too heavy for the machine.
•Maintain your machines. Ensure that it is well-adjusted and in a safe state.
•Clear chips with a brush or other tool, never with your hands or with compressed air.
•Make sure the machine is on a flat, level surface that can support the weight of the
machine plus fixtures, vise, and workpiece.
•Clamp work securely. Cutting forces are significant and can turn workpieces that are not
secured into projectiles.
•Be aware that chips and dust from some materials (magnesium, for example) are
flammable. Understand the materials you are using.

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Unpacking & Preparing for Use
Upon receipt, carefully unpack the lathe and inspect to ensure that no damage was
suffered in transit and to account for all parts. Should any damage be apparent, or parts
are missing, please contact LittleMachineShop.com immediately [phone].
The following accessories come with the mini lathe.
1. Change gears: 30,35,40(2),45,50,55,57,60 and 65 teeth
2. Outside jaws for the 3-Jaw chuck
3. Chuck key for the 3-Jaw chuck
4. MT2 dead center
5. Oil can (plastic)
6. Hex wrenches: 3, 4, 5 and 6 mm
7. Open end wrenches: 8 x 10 mm and 14 x 17 mm
8. 8x8 mm Cutter (DIN4980R)
9. 6 mm drill
10. SANOU drill chuck, 1/2" with 2MT shaft arbor
11. Spare fuse (not shown)
12. 4 rubber feet (not shown)
Initial Cleaning
Your lathe will arrive coated with grease to protect it from corrosion during shipment.
Follow this procedure to remove the grease:
1. Wipe most of the grease off with rags or paper towels.
2. Clean the surfaces with mineral spirits (paint thinner) or denatured alcohol.
3. Coat the surfaces with oil.
See 'Lubrication' for specific recommendations for lubricants.
Mini Lathe Assembly
You will notice that, for transit purposes, the cross slide feed handle (#16) has been
mounted in reverse. Remove it, by unscrewing the hex socket head screw securing it, and
mount it the correct way round. Then turn all feed handles to ensure they move freely,
evenly, and smoothly.
Attach the handles to the rims of the manual feed and tailstock feed hand wheels
respectively, ensuring the bolts is tighten and the handle sleeve can free rotating.
The carriage/saddle, cross slide and compound rest adjustments are all factory set to
ensure smooth movement in both directions. However, if the adjustments have been
upset during transit (indicated by stiff or erratic movement), refer to 'Settings and
Adjustments' for the methods of adjustment.

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All hex keys and wrench necessary to carry out the various adjustments are supplied
together with a chuck key for the 3-Jaw chuck and a spare fuse. The fuse holder is
located on the main control panel.
The four rubber feet should be attached to the underside of the bed, using the four M6
head screws, in the tapped holes provided. These screws are also used to secure the chip
tray. We strongly recommend that, to provide maximum stability and additional safety,
you secure the lathe to a firm foundation as described under 'Mounting the lathe'.
The three external jaws for the 3-Jaw self-centering chuck, extend the capacity of the
chuck, and are discussed in greater detail under 'Accessories'.
Mounting the Lathe
The lathe should be mounted on a sturdy workbench of sufficient height so that you do
not need to bend your back to perform normal operations. The lathe is very heavy. With
an assistant, lift it onto a sturdy surface or workbench. Remove all traces of preservative
with a good quality solvent. then lightly oil all machined surfaces.
Provide adequate overhead lighting so that you will not be working in your own shadow.
We strongly recommend that the machine be firmly bolted to a sturdy workbench using
the tapped holes used to secure the feet to the lathe. This is to provide added stability
and consequently, safety.
To do this, remove the four M6 screws which secure the rubber feet and chip tray to the
machine (if already fitted) and discard the feet. Drill four 10 mm clearance holes in the
bench top at the dimensions shown in the diagram at right and, with appropriate length
M6 bolts or screws with flat washers (not supplied), secure the lathe to the worktop
ensuring the chip tray is in place.
If you do not wish to permanently mount your lathe to your bench, an alternate method
is to secure the lathe to a 18 mm thick plywood board with a minimum recommended
dimension of 800x400 mm, the mounting holes being centered on the board. When the
lathe is in use, the board should be clamped to workbench using C-clamps.

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Mini Lathe Components
Legend
1.
Headstock
15.
Automatic Feed Lever
2. Spindle
16. Cross Slide Feed Handle
4. 3-Jaw Chuck
17. Apron
5.
Tool Post
18.
Manual (Saddle) Feed Handle
6. Cross Slide
19. Leadscrew
7.
Compound Rest
20.
Motor Brush Cap
8. Tail-stock Center
21. Fuse Box
9. Tail-stock
22. Running Gear Cover
10.
Tail-stock Securing Nut
23.
Variable Speed Control Knob
11. Ways (bed or rail)
24. Forward/Off/Reverse Switch
12. Right leadscrew bracket
25. Emergency Stop Switch
13.
Compound Rest Feed Handle
26.
High/Low Speed Range Lever
14. Threading Dial Indicator
27. Leadscrew Forward/Neutral/Reverse Lever

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Headstock
The motor provides a direct drive to the spindle via an internal tooth type belt. Spindle
speed is variable and is regulated by the speed control knob (23). Located on the main
control panel.
The spindle is provided with an internal No. 3 Morse taper to accommodate a center for
use with a face plate or turning clamp.
The 3-jaw self-centering chuck (4) is mounted on the spindle flange. The standard size is
80 mm. Visit LittleMachineShop.com to view 4-jaw lathe chucks and other accessories.
To remove the chuck, simply remove the three securing nuts to the rear of the flange
allowing it to be pulled free together with the three mounting studs.
Three external jaws are also supplied which extend the capacity of the chuck. Their uses
and method of assembly is described in 'Using A Lathe Chuck'.
The spindle has 6 holes drilled in its flange to accommodate a range of fixtures such as a
face plate, 4-jaw chuck etc. (See 'Optional Accessories').
Gear Drive
The drive and change gears are protected by a cover (22), which is removed by
unscrewing the two securing hex screws.
The change gears, shown in Fig. 2. drive the lead screw. The lead screw acts as a worm
and by operating the auto feed lever (15), which engages a nut with the lead screw, drive
is transmitted to the carriage/saddle and consequently the cutting tool; thereby
providing a power feed for thread cutting or general turning operations. The rotational
speed of the lead screw, and hence the rate of feed of the cutting tool, is determined by
the gear configuration. This is explained in greater detail under 'Changing Gears for
Cutting Threads'.
The drive to the lead screw may be disconnected by operating the
forward/neutral/reverse lever (27). And the same lever is used to drive the lead screw in
a forward or reverse direction.

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Tailstock
The tailstock (9) uses a nut (10) and bolt to tighten on the tailstock on the ways (11).
Loosening the nut will allow the tailstock to be moved laterally along the ways.
The tailstock quill has an internal No. 2 Morse taper for use with the center provided.
Revolving live centers and drill chucks are also available from LittleMachineShop.com
(See 'Optional Accessories').
Carriage/Saddle
The saddle carries the cross slide (6) onto which is mounted the compound rest (7) with
tool post (5), allowing precise operations to be performed. It may be driven by the lead
screw, via a driver nut, to provide automatic feeding when the auto feed lever (15),
mounted on the apron (17), is operated.
The position of the tool is affected by turning the cross slide feed handle (16), which
moves it across the lathe, and the carriage/saddle or manual feed handle (18), which
moves it longitudinally. Additionally, the compound rest feed handle (18) may be used to
move the tool by small amounts at right angles to the cross slide. The slide may be set at
an angle to the cross slide so that short tapers or bevels may be cut. This is described in
greater detail under 'Bevel Cutting'.
The cross slide and compound rest feeds are provided with a scale. These are used to
move the tool by precise amounts, one division being equivalent to 0.001" (0.025 mm). As
the feed handle is turned, the scale also rotates. The scale on the cross slide feed may
also be held stationary while the handle is turned. Allowing the scale to be 'zeroed'. The
way this is used is discussed in greater detail under 'Turning Setup'.
The tool post carries 8 hex socket head screws
which are used to secure a cutting tool in any
desired position. Four tool bits may be mounted
for quick and easy changes. Two are shown
mounted.
The tool post is rotated by slackening the lever (A)
on its top enough so the post can be lifted slightly
and then turned to the desired position.
ALWAYS ensure the post, and hence the tool, is
secured by tightening the lever firmly before
attempting to cut.
Motor
The lathe comes with a 250 Watt 0.34 hp motor. It is not recommended that you
disassemble the motor. Brushes may be replaced as described under 'Maintenance'. For all
other servicing and repairs, please contact LittleMachineShop.com.

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Lathe Operations and Maintenance
Starting Procedure
1 Set Forward/Off/Reverse switch to off. (C)
2 Stop button open. (B)
3 Speed knob fully counter-clockwise (A)
4 Now switch the Forward/Off/Reverse (F/O/R)
switch to the desires position. (C)
5 Turn the speed control for the speed required.
(A)
6 If at any time the yellow led light is on, the
Machine will not run. This is a (Fault Condition).
The lathe will remember this fault until the F/O/R
is switched OFF. (C)
•If you overload the lathe, or stop the lathe with the emergency stop button, you will
cause a (fault condition), you will then have to set the F/O/R switch to the position for a
couple of seconds to reset the fault light to get it to operate again.
•If you always use the F/O/R switch to stop and start the lathe you will not cause a fault
condition and it will be quicker to use.
•CAUTION: Always turn the speed control to the minimum speed position before starting
the lathe with the speed control set to a higher speed can damage the speed control
circuit board.
•Run for a total of 5 minutes during which time gradually increase spindle speed to its
Maximum. Run for at least 2 minutes at this speed before stopping the machine and
Disconnecting from the main supply.
•Check that all components are still secure and working freely and correctly. Check also to
ensure the mountings are secure.
•Should any adjustments be necessary, refer to the appropriate section under 'Settings and
Adjustments'.

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Other Considerations Each Time You Start the Lathe
1. Take all necessary precautions noted previously and ensure the work piece can rotate fully
without obstruction.
2. Always have the speed range set to its lowest possible RPM before switching machine on.
3. Set the F/O/R switch on the main control panel, to the FORWARD position.
4. Engage or ensure the auto feed lever is disengaged, depending upon whether automatic feed
is required. IMPORTANT: This should ALWAYS be a deliberate, conscious action.
NOTE: If Auto feed is required, the lead screw forward/neutral/reverse lever should
be set to FORWARD. If auto feed is not required, the lever may be set to Neutral. To
do this, grasp the knurled handle and pull out against spring pressure. Holding the
handle in this position, move the lever until the point end is in the middle pit mark in
the casing.
5. Proceed to start the machine as described previously.
6. If you are done working, or if the machine is to be left unattended, turn the F/O/R switch to
the OFF position then disconnect from the wall outlet.
ATTENTION: The power supply system has an automatic overload protective device. If
the machine is overloaded, the motor will automatically shut down, and the yellow
light will bel light it means meet some problem like overloaded happen. To restart,
turn the F/O/R switch to OFF clear any trouble from the machine before attempting
restart, check machine speed rang and set to minimum speed. When ready to operate
again place directional switch set position. adjust speed as required.

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Maintenance
For maximum performance, it is essential that the lathe be properly maintained.
Before Use
Always inspect before use. Any damage should be repaired, and maladjustments
rectified. Damage to machined surfaces should be repaired with an oil stone. Test by
hand to ensure smooth operation of all parts before use.
Apply a few drops of oil to the oil ways at both lead screw bearings (at each end bracket)
and add more once or twice during the day if used continuously. It will be necessary to
remove the gear train cover to oil the left-hand bearing.
Apply a few drops also to the compound rest oil way, located on the slides' top surface,
between the two socket head screws.
After Use
Remove all chips and debris from the machine and thoroughly clean all surfaces. If
coolant had been used, ensure it has completely drained from the tray. Components
should be dry, and all machined surfaces should be lightly oiled. Always remove cutting
tools and store them in a safe place.
Motor Brushes
The motor brushes may be changed by unscrewing the caps,
visible at the front and rear of the machine, beneath the
headstock, as shown in Fig 11.
Cleaning
The maintenance you perform most often is cleaning. Keeping swarf (chips, shavings, and
debris) from wearing surfaces is the most important thing you can do to prolong the
life of your mini lathe.
•Use a 1" paintbrush to remove swarf from the ways as you work.
•Clean the lead screw before each use.
•Clean swarf from the lathe, from top down after each use.

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Lubrication
We recommend the use of two lubricants on your lathe.
•Where oil is required, we recommend Mobil 1 synthetic motor oil. Mobil 1 far exceeds the
lubrication needs of the mini lathe and maintains a good surface film between
applications.
•Where grease is required, we recommend Lubriplate 630-AA lithium (white) grease.
Lithium grease is a plastic-friendly grease that is easy to find and easy to use.
The following points on your lathe require lubrication.
Location Lubricant Frequency Notes
Lathe ways
Oil
Daily
Apply oil to both the front and back ways on both
sides of the carriage. Move the carriage back and
forth to spread the oil.
Lead screw
threads
Oil
Daily
Clean swarf (chips, shavings, and debris) daily.
Compound rest
dovetail
Oil
Daily
Advance the compound rest to the extent of its
normal travel. Apply oil to the end of the gib and
the ends of the dovetails. Retract the compound
rest.
Cross slide
dovetail
Oil
Daily
Advance the cross slide to the extent of its travel.
Apply oil to the end of the gib and the ends of the
dovetails. Retract the cross slide.
Lead screw
bushings
Oil
Weekly
There is an oil fitting on the top of each one.
Remove the change gear cover to lubricate the left
bushing.
Other machined
surfaces
Oil
Weekly
Oil lubricates and prevents corrosion.
Chuck
Oil
Monthly
Disassemble, clean, and lubricate. Wrap with a
paper towel, secure with an elastic band, and run
lathe to sling out excess oil.
Cross slide feed
screw
Grease
Yearly
Compound rest
feed screw
Grease
Yearly
Lead screw drive
gears and
bushings
Grease
Yearly
Also lube change gears as you use them.
Carriage hand
wheel drive gears
Grease
Yearly
Tailstock quill
and screw
Grease
Yearly
The spindle and countershaft bearings are deep groove ball bearings that are shielded
and do not require additional lubrication.

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Adjustments
Keeping your lathe in adjustment is an ongoing process. You should check all the
following adjustments when you set up your lathe and then periodically as you use your
lathe. Looseness in the carriage retaining plates or the gibs can cause chatter when you
are using the lathe. If you experience chatter, check all these adjustments.
Carriage
The carriage is held on the ways by two adjustable retaining plates that are bolted to the
bottom of the carriage.
There are several fasteners in the carriage retainers. The socket head cap screws are
used to adjust the position of the retainers. The setscrews and lock nuts lock the
adjustments in place.
To adjust the carriage retainers
1. Remove the right lead screw mounting bracket.
2. Disconnect the apron by removing the two socket head cap screws through the front
of the carriage.
3. Slide the apron to the right and off the lead screw.
4. Loosen all the fasteners on both retainers.
5. Snug the socket head cap screws so the carriage can move, but without play.
6. Snug the setscrews. Do not over tighten or you might break the retainers.
7. While holding the setscrews from turning, tighten the lock nuts.
8. Replace the apron.
9. Replace the right lead screw mounting bracket.

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Cross Slide Gibs
A gib is a strip of metal placed between the bearing surface of two machine parts to
ensure a precision fit and provide adjustment for wear. The mini lathe has gibs in several
places, including the cross slide.
To adjust the cross slide gibs
1. Loosen the three lock nuts on the side of the cross slide.
1. Slightly loosen all three setscrews on the side of the cross slide.
2. Snug each setscrew equally. This will lock the cross slide in position.
3. Loosen each setscrew 1/8 turn to allow the cross slide to move.
4. While holding the setscrews from turning, tighten the lock nuts.
5. Test by turning the handle. Loosen or tighten all the setscrews the same amount until
the cross slide moves freely, but without play in the dovetail.
Cross Slide Nut
The cross slide nut is adjustable to remove free play from the cross slide feed handle.
The three screws in the top of the cross slide adjust the cross slide nut.
The two outer screws tip the nut off horizontal to reduce the endplay in the threads. The
center screw locks the adjustment in place.
To adjust the cross slide nut
1. Loosen all three screws.
2. Tighten the outside setscrews until you just start to feel resistance turning the set
screw.
3. Loosen the near set screw and tightened the center screw until you just start to feel
resistance turning the cap crew. At this point the bottom threads of the nut should be
touching the lead screw at the far end, and the top threads of the nut should be
touching the lead screw at the near end.
4. Tighten the front set screw.
5. Check the adjustment.
•If the feed screw is too hard to turn, loosen the front set screw a little and then
tighten the center cap screw.
•If the feed screw is too easy to turn and you have excessive backlash, loosen the
center cap screw a little and then tighten the front set screw.

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Compound Rest Gibs
The compound rest also incorporates a gib for adjustment.
To adjust the compound rest gibs
1. Loosen the three lock nuts on the side of the compound rest.
2. Slightly loosen all three setscrews on the side of the compound rest.
3. Snug each setscrew equally. This will lock the compound rest in position.
4. Loosen each setscrew 1/8 turn to allow the compound rest to move.
5. While holding the setscrews from turning, tighten the lock nuts.
6. Test by turning the handle. Loosen or tighten all the setscrews the same amount until
the compound rest moves freely, but without play in the dovetail.
Apron Position
The apron is adjustable to center the half nuts horizontally on the lead screw.
To adjust the apron position
1. Loosen the two socket head cap screws that secure the apron to the carriage. They
are at the front edge of the carriage.
2. Engage the half nuts on the lead screw.
3. Tighten the two socket head cap screws.

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Tailstock Position
The tailstock is adjustable from front to rear so you can align it with the spindle.
To adjust the tailstock position
1. Remove the 3-jaw chuck from the lathe spindle.
2. Put a #3 Morse taper dead center in the spindle.
3. Remove the tailstock from the lathe.
4. Loosen the tailstock adjustment cap screw.
5. Place the tailstock back on the ways.
6. Put a #2 Morse taper dead center in the tailstock quill.
7. Move the tailstock toward the spindle until the two centers almost touch.
8. Loosen the tailstock adjustment setscrews.
9. Move the upper part of the tailstock casting until the centers are aligned.
10.Place a steel rule between the two centers. The length of the rule should be
horizontal and the width vertical. Bring the centers together to hold the rule in place.
11.Adjust the upper part of the tailstock casting until the steel rule is perpendicular to
the axis of the lathe. If the near end of the rule angles toward the headstock, move
the tailstock back.
12.When the tailstock is in the correct position, tighten the tailstock adjustment
setscrews.
13.Gently remove the tailstock from the lathe and tighten the tailstock adjustment cap
screw.
14.Replace the tailstock on the ways and check the adjustment.

Updated 4/5/2023 © 2023 LittleMachineShop.com Page 20 of 45
Half Nuts
There are two adjustments for the half nuts. The half nut gibs take the play out of the
half nuts. The half nut closing limit stops the half nuts from closing too tightly on the
lead screw.
To adjust the half nut gibs:
Tighten the three setscrews in the back edge of the apron to remove play from the half
nuts.
To adjust the half nut limit:
1. Loosen the lock nut on the bottom of the half nuts.
2. Adjust the setscrew until the half nuts close without binding on the lead screw.
3. While holding the setscrew from turning, tighten the lock nut.
Lead Screw Mounting
The brackets that mount the lead screw can move slightly to ensure that the lead screw
does not bind in the half nuts.
To adjust the right lead screw mounting bracket:
1. Remove the tailstock by sliding it off the end of the ways.
2. Loosen the two mounting socket head cap screws on the right bracket.
3. Move the carriage as far to the right as possible.
4. Engage the half nuts on the lead screw.
5. Tighten the bracket mounting socket head cap screws.
6. Replace the tailstock.
To adjust the left lead screw mounting bracket:
1. Remove the change gear cover.
2. Loosen the locking nut on the change gear adjuster.
3. Loosen the two mounting socket head cap screws on the left lead screw bracket.
4. Move the carriage as far to the left as possible.
5. Engage the half nuts on the lead screw.
6. Tighten the bracket mounting socket head cap screws.
7. Tighten the locking nut on the change gear adjuster.
8. Replace the change gear cover.