Both Michaels –
Sorry about the mixed up names. I realised my mistake when I posted the message but I don't know how to edit a post. I know it's possible but it's not at all obvious!
The inaccessibility problem might be due to my system using Internet Explorer. I have a sneaking suspicion some web-sites no longer work with it, as appears the case with one of two the materials suppliers on my list.
===
A trick I sometimes use with a fixed dial, whether counting up or down, is to slacken the tool-clamping and ease it into contact on the required dial number. I always measure for the finishing cuts anyway.
Similarly with the longitudinal cuts by top-slide, by adjusting the work-piece in the chuck up against the tool.
(I can never remember if long-ways is sliding or surfacing, so on the L5, which has both feeds powered and reversible and labels the controls by those terms, test that setting with the saddle well clear of the work.)
~~~
I have heard of that tale of Russian lathes, but like Nick, take it with a large pinch of salt. Perhaps there were some made that way for a special purpose. However, I have seen a video of Russian turner using an ancient but decent-looking lathe, otherwise conventional but having cross and long feeds that could be engaged together but geared separately, to generate plain and threaded tapers. He was making large, rapidly-tapered auger-type screws, the business-end of log-splitters for producing fire-wood.
I owned for some years an old IXL-badged but probably Ehrlich-made lathe, on which it was horribly easy when stopping either feed to miss the central neutral-point and go straight to the other direction, in motion. My precaution was simply a loose bolt in the "other" pin-hole.
I rather miss that lathe, which had a T-slotted saddle and comprehensive set of fittings, but home-moving and other space reasons enforced disposal. Following a suggestion from a friend I donated it to the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway workshops – who apparently forgot to offer him his hefty fuel cost for delivering it from East Dorset! Neither of us are L&BR members. I hope they either still have it, or if not, it has a new and loving home elsewhere.