I have two of these machines, one very early and one very late, and contributed quite a bit to the lathes website. What is VERY unusual about this machine is that it has its clutch actuating lever and mechanism in place and functioning. I have never seen one, and I have been looking for about 15 years. Can you post some pictures diagrams?

This does of course mean that it is very likely to cause you grief! The Fortis clutch is based upon the earliest Clausing 100 clutch, and were fitted to all Forti as standard. In every case that I have encountered (both early Clausing and Fortis) the actuator has been removed – This suggests something, as does the relatively short time that elapsed before Clausing redesigned theirs. Fortis never did.

Would photos do Robert . I have some time into setting the clutch up ,there's a fine line between it running right and wrong and the line is very thin . I'm still getting to know my Fortis and finding out all i can . At the moment i'm trying to find a saddle threat nut for it . Any chance to see a couple images of yours . Oh….and can you determine if mine is an early or a lathe (i keep meaning to research the serial numbers on mine)Good or bad i'm delighted with it  . 

Sean