[Art99]

Although one of the most cited mini-lathe mods is the cam lock mod to get rid of the need for the a wrench to loosen and tighten the TS clamping nut, lots of us have not made this modification. The usual triggerpoint is a project where you are multiply tightening and loosening the TS and it gets real tedious. This happened to me BUT I came up with a simpler solution which I'd like to share with other newbies that are also reluctant to modify their mini-lathe.

I simply purchased a 17mm Short,Ratcheting Box Wrench. The wrench I purchased has a lever to convert the ratchet direction without removing the wrench. So all I have to do is leave it on the TS clamping nut. Since it is short it doesn't get in the way and the cost is less than the LMS cam lock kit. Pix below show the wrench and the wrench on the tailstock.

It works for me! Maybe it will be of use to you.

Art99

[hoss2006]

I like it too, where did you get the wrench?
Hoss

[Dano523]

Trust me on this, your wrench idea is nice, but get around to doing the mod since it make working with the tail stock so much faster and easier.
There is a couple of ways of doing the mod, and the sooner you get around to doing it, then happier you will be.

The huge thing for me, was deep plunging with drill bits and with the limit range of the tail stock, made loosen and re-tighting the bolt every few second a real pain to remove swaft from the channel to keep the channel somewhat clean (and not to bind up the bit). Now with the tail stock mod, what use to take what seems like for every, is done in no time at all.

Here are a few ways to do the mod, and since I was sitting on some round stock, just did the mod shown in the second link.
http://www.cnccookbook.com/CCLatheTailLock.htm
http://bedair.org/9x20camlock/9x20camlock2.html

[blades]

One could also cut off the open-end of the wrench and find a suitable rubber grip to slid on it.

I do like the cam-lock mod though, as it makes it more like a "real" lathe.

[Art99]

Hoss
I got it from SnapOn (online sales)Model # BOERMS17, about $24 including shipping. There are probably less expensive ones from others but I was impatient.
Art99

[hoss2006]

Hoss
I got it from SnapOn (online sales)Model # BOERMS17, about $24 including shipping. There are probably less expensive ones from others but I was impatient.
Art99

Thanks, I'll have to find one to fit my 10x22.
Hoss

[BobWarfield]

Fellas, my camlock took just a couple of hours one afternoon to throw together. Sure is nice, and the lathe mod consists of one single hole.

I sure don't miss my wrenches! Add a keyless chuck and that tailstock becomes superproductive.

Cheers,

BW

[hoss2006]

I'm glad you all like your camlocks, more power to you.
I've used plenty in my day.
I like Art's simple alternative.
Hoss

[eartaker]

Most people want to get rid of the wrench, not just replace it with another. I vote camlock.

[Art99]

Guys

My intent was only to share what was useful to me. What I didn't like about the wrench that came with my 7x10 was that it was a fat, open-ended wrench. It couldn't be left on the nut, so it got misplaced. At times I had to flip it over and over to get enough clearance to tighten or loosen the nut.

Since my lathe is so short there are times I have to remove and replace the tailstock. On the HF unit this requires loosening the clamp a lot of turns; I don't know if the camlock provides enough distance, so I like the fact that I can loosen and tighten MANY turns easily.

I considered a short box wrench but then I'd have to lift it on and off to tighten or loosen enough.

I like Blades suggestion of cutting off my ratchet wrench and putting on a handle but am waiting to find a less expensive suitable ratchet.

Art

[eartaker]

I also have to remove mine and it will permit it. If you make the mod yourself you set the distance it moves. here is a video of it [nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XynlJ5DKbFI"]YouTube - Cam lock Tail Stock[/nomedia]

[hoss2006]

Guys

My intent was only to share what was useful to me. What I didn't like about the wrench that came with my 7x10 was that it was a fat, open-ended wrench. It couldn't be left on the nut, so it got misplaced. At times I had to flip it over and over to get enough clearance to tighten or loosen the nut.

Since my lathe is so short there are times I have to remove and replace the tailstock. On the HF unit this requires loosening the clamp a lot of turns; I don't know if the camlock provides enough distance, so I like the fact that I can loosen and tighten MANY turns easily.

I considered a short box wrench but then I'd have to lift it on and off to tighten or loosen enough.

I like Blades suggestion of cutting off my ratchet wrench and putting on a handle but am waiting to find a less expensive suitable ratchet.

Art

Boy, people sure seem to like their camlocks.
I personally have too many projects yet to do so it will have to wait.
Thanks again for posting your idea, it will definitely speed things up.
I found the wrench here for $12, Sears and Walmart apparently carry the same one.
http://www.nationwideindustrialsuppl...-2267R-239178/
Hoss

[knudsen]

One could also cut off the open-end of the wrench and find a suitable rubber grip to slid on it.

I do like the cam-lock mod though, as it makes it more like a "real" lathe.

Easy now, my Heavy 10 uses a wrench. I hypnotized Alexandra while you weren't looking and she programmed to bite you on the nose if I give her the secret command! Not what was the heck was that command... I shoulda wrote it down

I too have used both camlock tailstocks and and wrenchies that have a wrench that actually fits. Little difference. If camlocks turn you on, go for it, if not, just get the proper tool.

This one is was under $20 at Menards IIRC. I was planning to cut it when I got it, but with the flex end it has always fit with ease. I like the lack of reversing lever, so you just flip it over to reverse. It stays put, droops down of course, but stays on the nut.

[blades]

Sorry, present company excluded
Lol, if she bites me, SHE will be my new tailstock clamp (lots of tail to work with there ).

Btw, I gotta get out to your place to see the new machines some evening.

[knudsen]

OK, but you gotta have proof of tetanus shots to even look into the door of the shop! It's a horrid mess, but I do have a lot of good excuses! :violin:

[photomankc]

I like it too. I have too many irons in fires right now anyway. That would be helpful and that's a couple hours I can use to finish up something else.