Last summer I did a little work for a free lathe. It's a made in China Cummins tool sale gem:o)
First thing that had to go was the metric spindle. It didn't match anything. I pulled it out and made one with a 1" - 8 thread.

This let me mount my fancy made in china Grizzly 4 jaw wood lathe chuck on it. It is much nicer to use now! Note the flimsy looking Banjo tool holder.

That is the next to be upgraded. Both the banjo and the tail stock tighten up from underneath. If you get them too close to one another the handles hit each other making it difficult to operate:o( I started by making a eccentric shaft turned between centers. I then made the end pretty.

A rectangular frame was weld up and I surface ground the bottom. The tool holder portion bolts on so it can be moved front to back.

My welds turned out nice:o)

Here is the whole thing on my lathe. It moves easily and locks up tight. I'll be making some fancy brass ends for the handle. That and a splash of paint and the banjo will be done.

I'm setting up to turn some wood bowls. I needed a face plate so I made one

It measures 6" in diameter.

Next on the list is a better tail stock. Stay tuned:o)
~Wes~