I have a Harbor Freight 9 x 20 lathe. Some weeks ago I was manually turning the carriage when it jammed,it wouldn't move. After turning the chuck by hand something dropped into the pan. Referring to the Instruction Manual (page 37 Item 4) I identified it as the Key that goes into the worm gear (Item 3)that slides back and forth on the lead screw.

The three screws on the bracket (Item 2) were loose and assumed this was the reason the key dropped out. I disassembled the apron and managed to get the thing working again. Today I was manually turning the carriage and the same thing happened only the key did not drop out. I managed to free it and can't help being concerned,wondering if it could happen again.

Has anyone had a similar problem,is there a special procedure that needs to be followed in reassembling the apron or do any of the three parts mentioned above need to be modified

I would appreciate help,thanks

John Romano