Correcting a Factory Gib Screw Design Flaw on an Import Lathe Mill Combo

My machine, and I would assume many other budget import machines, has a major design flaw in the way the gib screws are adjusted. In fact it is SO POORLY designed that it is almost impossible to properly get the gibs adjusted. Thankfully it's an easy any inexpensive fix and I will show you how I did it.
When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission.
Affiliate links to items in this video:
M8 x 16mm
amzn.to/3LpST2c
M8 x 50mm
amzn.to/3yCJsFb
M8 x 110mm
amzn.to/40d7AtN
M8 Jam Nut
amzn.to/3mXUn9C

[@emailformosa]

Cool stuff, dude. I just picked up a very similar machine from an auction and will definitely be binging this channel. The bare bones functionality of this machine seems to induce as many cravings as it satisfies.

[@orangetruckman]

Better late than never 🤷🏼‍♂️ 😬 glad you got it figured out.

[@andyb7754]

Very good information. I'll keep the infomation in the back of my mind so if and when I buy a used old lathe I can look and see if it's like yours then upgrade like you did. Thank you.

[@Kevin.L_]

Good catch. Shame it took so long to find. Thanks for sharing.

[@bobuk5722]

Yup, this locking double grub screw set up has caught me out before. Not on lathe gibs but on what should have been a straightforward dismantling job. Fiendish idea. Guess it's why apprenticeships are useful! It's not a mistake I will make again ....

[@bobuk5722]

Hi, a tip for adjusting the cross slide gibbs. Disconnect the cross slide screw first, this gives a much better feel for the adjustment as one moves the slide by hand. Not my idea, it's a George Thomas recommendation.

[@paulmanhart4481]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing.

[@boblug4028]

The two screw design should have a ball bearing between the two screws. Thats where they saved money,

[@oldschool1993]

Took you 15 years to figure that out?? BTW- many other 3 in 1 machines already have the jam nut design on them.

[@michaelsemenchuk3056]

I've seen a couple of those "double screw" setups. My old 3 in 1 had brass rod bits that were pushed in against the gib by grub screws. Whenever you pulled the tailstock off, the gib and 2 little brass pieces would fall out. If they fell to the floor then good luck finishing your project that day; you'd be on your knees, face to the floor trying to cast shadows on the small parts with a flashlight (CSI style). I'm so glad those days are over.

[@Glens1965]

Once again. Made In China, But fixed in the USA.