Mini Lathe Cross slide and Compound Mods

[jjr2001]

One of the best upgrades for my mini lathe was the extended cross slide kit from Little Machine Shop.
There a couple of things I like to add to make my lathe more "user friendly".

One is the oiler buttons that I installed on both the compound and cross slide. This reduces
the travel I need when oiling the ways so it saves time. Oilers were also added to each bearing
end of the main lead screw.

Two is the simple locking screws on the cross slide and the compound.
Simply drill and tap holes for 8-32 brass screws that will push on the gibs.
This locks the carriage and the cross slide, one or both.
Big advantage is that the gib's will stay at their original setting
and when you release the brass screws the gibs are set. One other change here is
the removal of the nuts on the gib's dog point set screws. All screws and threaded
holes were cleaned and then blue loctite was applied. Keeps the screws where you set
them without the lock nuts. Just makes adjusting a bit quicker.

Cheers, JR