How to make a Lathe Tailstock Drag Link

**Catfish** · Jun 12, 2021, 08:48 AM

**dbat74** · Jun 14, 2021, 07:25 PM

Originally Posted by Catfish

We have been doing this for 45 yrs or more. But good job anyway.

**nova_robotics** · Jun 14, 2021, 09:52 PM

So you can auto feed your tailstock. Interesting. I can't think of a use right now but it seems like it could come in handy some day. Neat.

**Saltfever** · Jun 15, 2021, 03:38 PM

Originally Posted by nova_robotics

So you can auto feed your tailstock. Interesting. I can't think of a use right now but it seems like it could come in handy some day. Neat.

Anytime the tail stock is doing work (like drilling, reaming) I use this method. Not taping though. Carriage feed is much more controlled and even, than cranking the tail stock hand wheel. Think large drills like 25 mm-50 mm. :-)

**Saltfever** · Jun 15, 2021, 03:50 PM

Excellent idea but poor implementation. The out-of-axis thrust on both your carriage and tail stock puts unnecessary strain on all parts (including the ways) and promotes wear. A direct link (see red line in pic) keeps thrust more in-line with the lathe design. Agree, not all off-axis thrust is removed but it is less.