So that's where the creep that gets in the camera's way at club demo's hides. Throw him out of your shop right now David.
OTOH, can you make or have made a larger clamping plate for your tailstock? Is there rough casting flash on the underside of the ways that you can clean up?
Turn to Safety, Arch Fortiter
I have a Jet mini and find that I have to tighten the tailstock AMFM (all my freaking might), and then watch it as I advance the center into the wood, and possibly re-tighten. Think I'll have a look at the underside of the ways tonight. Martin
I just give the handle a couple of whacks with a dead blow hammer... works fine.
It seems to me that I have read of some people letting or encouraging the ways to have a layer of rust to help grip and prevent this. I've never been able to bring myself to let this happen.
I saw a bottle of some k>Does anybody have a fix for the tailstop creep on my Jet mini lathe? > >David Pugh
This problem has been addressed by someone who now makes a replacement tailstock plate that will not creep. See the product at
This may or may not help, but it is easy to try. Just as the cam goes over top-dead-center, you have the maximum mechanical advantage, hence the maximum holding power. You should be able to adjust the nut until you go over center, and then back up until it holds REALLY TIGHT.
I have also heard that a little rust helps the clamping action. When our club lathe had this problem, Jet claimed that we contributed to the problem by filing the bottom of the tailstock smooth. If you don't like rust, how about a coarse sandblast?
You should try it. It really works. On my Jet 1236, I spray down 1/2 the bed with brake cleaner. That cleans up any trace of oil. Then I put wet rags (or oak shavings) on the bed overnight. Rusts it up nicely. A quick scuff with a scotchbrite pad and no more creep. On my more expensive lathes I expect (and have) a better design, but rust is a good cheap fix for the Jet.
Peter Teubel Milford, MA
i've been told that jet puts a grease or oil on the ways which causes the slip unless you use a degreaser to remove it. then it is supposed to work right. they probably do that to keep it from rusting until it is sold. Of course it could all be rumor! rich
I turned a larger handle that fits over the metal handle and now I can apply more force easily.
This method works for me and my Delta Midi - tho I use a wood mallet whacker. Been doing it for years now and don't see any detrimental effects.
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