Dirt Cheap Automatic Tailstock Feed for Your Metal Lathe

[tmate3]

There are a number of lathe operations, such as center drilling, in which an automatic tailstock feed would be useful. This is easily accomplished in the manner shown in the photos. A clamping shaft collar is secured to the tailstock spindle. A forked bracket, mounted on the carriage engages the shaft collar. With the tailstock clamp slightly loosened, the longitudinal feed advances the carriage and tailstock at the desired speed.