I have just finished making a spindle lock for the earlier model A lathes up to Mk1.5. On the earlier type of pin operated pulley to spindle lock there is an extra hole at the left side of the large drive belt pulley. Almost opposite the lock pin mechanism is a 3/8″ hole in the casting and I found a gash bit of steel plate to make a Q-D lock. The exact pin position was a challenge, so it was made oversize in the plate and slightly eccentric at the projecting 3/8″ diameter end. That way I could turn the pin to align exactly with the hole in the pulley before securing it in place. Although I could if needed, remove the spindle in 15 minutes, I really couldn’t be bothered to make that much effort just to make measuring easier. Now there is no danger of straining the back gears when removing chucks and other kit from the spindle. I don’t know enough about the later improved pulley to spindle mechanism to venture advice on how to lock the spindle, perhaps the lucky owner of a Mk2 could see if they could make something similar.

Pictures will be taken tomorrow, Thursday 9th July.