Mini Lathe Upgrade - Proxxon PD 250 tailstock quick release.

#lathe , #proxxon, #tailstock
If you have a small lathe, you know how impractical is the standard tailstock lock mechanism.
On KZbin 👀 I found great solutions for the quick release mechanism for :
- the Proxxon PD400 lathe by Michel Uphoff / @michel-uphoff - and a modified wersion for
- the Proxxon PD250 lathe by Paul Lehmor / @paullehmor982
Both of these projects are great 👏👏 and I sincerely recommend you watch both films👍
As the authors inform - the projects are not intended for beginners, precise milling of side holes is difficult - requires special mounting techniques, practical skills are needed to do it.
Unfortunately, I can't say about myself (yet) that I have knowledge and skills in mechanics - I'm a beginner and just improving my skills.
However, I am an electronics engineer and programmer, so this obliges me to think and act technically. 🤔
So I also decided to make a tailstock quick release mechanism for my lathe, but in a slightly different way - in my opinion, easier to make for beginners.
Because I wasn't sure it would work correctly, I decided to first simulate everything in a CAD program - I used the free version of Fusion 360.
This video shows how I did everything step by step. I used Proxxon #PD250/e lathe and Proxxon #PF230 milling machine.
If I could do it with my skills, you can probably do it too - but think 🤔🤔 about it.
Summary:
I made this modification a few months ago and it still works great - now I can honestly say that it is a real game changer -
it incredibly speeds up work on the lathe.
As I mentioned, I'm just gaining knowledge and improving my skills in mechanics and metal work - so I apologize if
I showed something that is incorrect or inconsistent with good practices - please let me know in the comments.
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Music - oh THAT music, I'm sorry, I know, I know :)
This melody you can only Love or Hate - there is no option between.
I heard this melody when I was a child and after many, many years it often suddenly appears in my head ❤
I used this remix here : • Popcorn Remix [HD]

[@isidoromaich7226]

I like your proxxon ☺

[@fabiocapell1804]

Fantastic!

[@RoninRonin]

Hi Fabio, thanks for the feedback 👍

[@paullehmor982]

Great job! I like how you use just one set screw to lock the whole assembly together. The central position for the piston relative to the bottom plate is also a big advantage. Btw, when I made my video, there was no flat spot on the spindle end for the lever grub screw as it wasn't finished yet. From a usability point of view I can't judge which design is best. Maybe I would lend to Michel's and my version since it allows for quick and easy one-handed unlock/lock manoeuvres when drilling deep holes. All in all, I would strongly recommend anyone to consider your design. It is simpler, uses less material, and does less harm to the tail stock.

[@RoninRonin]

@paullehmor982 Thank you for your honest and professional opinion. I didn't start from nothing - the basis of my project was what you implemented. Thanks

[@aldeen19]

Nice and smart idea.. thank you very much for your detailed video.. I have the same lathe and I shall try to implement this useful upgrade.

[@RoninRonin]

Hi, thanks for the nice feedback 😀 If you decide to do it, you will definitely be satisfied 👍 (but of course first think twice about everything🤞)

[@ralfkunkel3180]

Hello Roni, I like this video and would like to recreate it. Is it necessary to remove the handwheel to assemble or disassemble the tailstock? (12:38) I know all dimensions can be seen in the video. Is it possible to also get a data set? Best regards and keep it up.

[@RoninRonin]

Hi Ralf, thanks for the feedback 👍 The rotation of the shaft corresponds to the movement of the lower clamping plate by about 2 mm - if you mount it on the tailstock first, it is necessary to remove the handwheel to be able to install the assembled tailstock. But if you have access to the bottom of the lathe or you have slim and long fingers🖖it is possible to install the lower clamping plate later - it is difficult, but it can be done without removing the handwheel. In the video I showed the simplest way - removing and installing the handwheel takes just a few seconds.

[@ralfkunkel3180]

@@RoninRonin Thanks for the reply. I understand. However, I am someone who mostly works without a tailstock and only installs it when necessary.