Mini Lathe Carriage Stops Micrometer and Screw

[mklotz]

Makes sense about the square bolt heads on the older equipment. I like that idea to keep the swarf out in the first place.
Never thought about putting a short plug allen in the cap screw but what a great idea. I must try that one.

It doesn't have to be a chunk of Allen wrench. Any hex stock that fits will work. If you can find a few nuts that fit the hex socket you could Loctite them to a bolt that matches the nut thread and have a plug with a built-in handle. Many options. Compressible plastics are also a possibility.

Another approach is to get a length of convenient size hex stock and make hex-head bolts to fit the various adjustments on the lathe. By making all of them with the same size hex head, you'll only need one wrench to operate the lathe.

My lathe came with a SHCS to actuate the carriage lock. I immediately pulled it out and made a duplicate with a hex head. Once installed, it quickly became apparent what a PIA it was to find a wrench and mount it every time I wanted to lock the carriage. Fortunately, I had made the hex head on the screw about 3/4" tall. Using a wrench, I tightened it until the carriage locked and then marked the face of the hex aimed at a convenient angle wrt to the lathe operator. Remove bolt, tap and drill marked face for a handle. Reinstall bolt and tighten down with wrench, then screw in handle.

The bolt sits too close to the compound mount to insert the handle before screwing the bolt in so the above procedure was required. Moving the handle about 45 deg frees up the carriage lock.