John, please don't think I'm being negative here, but its not immediately apparent to me what the purpose of this mod is – nice job that it is. I'm more than willing to learn something new if I'm missing the point!

Apart from using as a support for between centres work occasionaly, I mainly use the tailstock for drilling. Simply using the handwheel gives me a very fine degree of feedback on drill progress so never had one break. If using this long handle is for drilling, then surely the mechanical advantage could result in to much pressure applied to a drill, or a lack of 'feel' if starting to clog up with swarf? If being used for producing 100's of identical parts on rapid piecework, perhaps yes – but for hobby machining?

Again – please do not think I am critisising someone else's work, absolutley not. Just want to understand the thinking behind it.

regards

I made something similar for my Clarke CL300 some time ago. This was based on a article in "Mike's Workshop" site. mikesworkshop.weebly.com/lever-feed-tailstock.html

This has the advantage of a lever feed or lock it and wind the handle as before. It makes "pecking" while drilling easier and I find it very useful if using tailstock held taps or dies. Also of course, an interesting construction project, which is what this hobby is all about, whether one is making some simple tooling or constructing a model railway engine.

I couldn't resist a NOS tailstock on ebay some time back, it is of Chinese origin, MT2 with a 3" stroke and with a suitable base section made, could fit the Smart & Brown model A at the museum. Seeing this thread, I can imagine it modified for lever operation for those delicate small drilling jobs.

As I said, I just wanted to understand the thinking behind it, and I think the comments have done that admirably! Think I shall be looking into similar for my trusty old lathe as & when time permits.

Over the years, I've occasionaly spent time making things that appeared as a 'good idea' on the face of it, but often failed to deliver (bit like politicians) , so it's really useful to hear from people who have used something like this and give positive feedback.

John H : Have you tried one of those spring loaded centres that you can use with taps? – they work great generally and allow a straight start to threading a piece in the chuck. Use with your 'crank' (often referred to as a mandrel handle)

All the best, Mike