Rack operated tailstock ?

[lfoggyParticipant @lfoggy]

I am considering fitting a rack operated tailstock attachment to my Myford 254+ to help with drilling and reaming etc. For these applications the ability to rapidly move the tailstock barrel would be handy for clearing chips and the extra sensitivity of the rack mechanism should add feel to drilling as well. I am wondering how good the rack operated tailstock is for other applications however, like pressing a revolving centre into a work piece.

How convenient do users of this type of tailstock find them? Is it a worthwhile mod?

[lfoggyParticipant @lfoggy]

[Robert ButlerParticipant @robertbutler92161]

The use of a Rack operated or lever feed tailstock is very convenient for most operations.

Robert Butler

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by lfoggy on 07/02/2020 12:55:06:
.

I am considering fitting a rack operated tailstock attachment to my Myford 254+ to help with drilling and reaming etc. […]

I am wondering how good the rack operated tailstock is for other applications however, like pressing a revolving centre into a work piece.

How convenient do users of this type of tailstock find them? Is it a worthwhile mod?

.

It becomes a two-handed operation [or some variation on that theme] … but I think the benefits outweigh that small disadvantage.

MichaelG.

[Phil PParticipant @philp]

I use a standard screw feed tailstock 95% of the time on my Myford S7.

I also have a spare ML7 tailstock fitted with a Cowells rack feed attachment, I fit and use that instead when threading with a die head.

Phil

[Alan JacksonParticipant @alanjackson47790]

I can apply more than enough force at the lathe centre with only relatively light single handed force at the rack handles with either my smaller handle Stepperhead rack or my longer levered Chipmaster rack. Much better generally than a screw feed, and much better for drilling and removing the drill for chip clearance. Look in my albums.

Alan

Edited By Alan Jackson on 07/02/2020 15:27:16

[MeunierParticipant @meunier]

Having had a Cowells Capstan rack-feed tailstock on the ML7 for many years, along with @CornishJack, I can compare it with the usual screw-feed tailstock and say that it is much better overall – more sensitive more instinctive and quicker in operation.
With a 1.6mm drill in the tailstock chuck and a 3mm bar of stainless in the 3-jaw it is possible to 'peck' and withdraw to clear chips with just a finger and thumb on one of the capstan bars with hardly any effort, to a depth of 12mm..
Highly recommend.
DaveD

[Phil PParticipant @philp]

For anyone wondering what the Cowells capstan rack feed tailstock looks like, this is mine.

It took a long time to find one at an affordable price, I dont think they have been made for a lot of years now. There is one on ebay right now for just a tad under £300 !!!

I have added the stop collar at the rear end so it halts the spindle and trips the die head open at the correct depth.

Phil

Edited By Phil P on 07/02/2020 19:56:37

Edited By Phil P on 07/02/2020 19:58:24

Edited By Phil P on 07/02/2020 19:58:58

[MeunierParticipant @meunier]

Posted by Phil P on 07/02/2020 19:55:23:

For anyone wondering what the Cowells capstan rack feed tailstock looks like, this is mine.

It took a long time to find one at an affordable price, I dont think they have been made for a lot of years now. There is one on ebay right now for just a tad under £300 !!!

 

Mine is the same but in Grey. In 1973 was fortunate to purchase the 1965/1966 year ML7BT with Brook Gryphon 2speed motor and Dewhurst control gear, with the Cowells tailstock and Trileva and QCGB already installed, with many chucks+dividing head, etc from a fellow club member retiring from workshop activities.
It took some persuasion for the budget manager to approve £327 but it has earned its keep many times over.
Back on topic, I deduce the Cowells was installed between 1965/1966 and 1973
DaveD

Edited By Meunier on 07/02/2020 20:42:39

[lfoggyParticipant @lfoggy]

Thanks Phil P,

That looks very similer to the Myford rack operated tailstock attachement currently available on the Myford website…and I agree, not cheap for what it is.

[egaParticipant @ega]

Posted by Michael Gilligan on 07/02/2020 14:35:37:

Posted by lfoggy on 07/02/2020 12:55:06:
.

I am considering fitting a rack operated tailstock attachment to my Myford 254+ to help with drilling and reaming etc. […]

I am wondering how good the rack operated tailstock is for other applications however, like pressing a revolving centre into a work piece.

How convenient do users of this type of tailstock find them? Is it a worthwhile mod?

.

It becomes a two-handed operation [or some variation on that theme] … but I think the benefits outweigh that small disadvantage.

MichaelG.

MichaelG:

May I trouble you to elaborate your two-handed point? I'm having difficulty in envisaging a situation in which there would be more of a need for two hands with the rack feed as opposed to the screw.

I use a lever feed with great satisfaction on my S7 and can't imagine reverting to the standard arrangement. The only small disadvantage that I encounter is that the tailstock is somewhat tail-heavy when the lever is fully extended to the right. Incidentally, although I would like to try the (expensive) rack feed, the lever does allow you to vary the mechanical advantage.

[John BaronParticipant @johnbaron31275]

Hi Guys,

In the old days, a capstan tailstock feed was about all you saw. Particularly with the ability to have six different tools immediately to hand.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by ega on 08/02/2020 12:31:46:

Posted by Michael Gilligan on 07/02/2020 14:35:37:
..

It becomes a two-handed operation [or some variation on that theme] … but I think the benefits outweigh that small disadvantage.

MichaelG.

MichaelG:

May I trouble you to elaborate your two-handed point? […]

.

Yes of course …

The comment was specific to the use-case of appropriately loading a centre

The rack & pinion doesn’t hold position [pressure] and therefore to lock the barrel I use my other hand
… other body parts are available.

MichaelG.

[egaParticipant @ega]

Posted by Michael Gilligan on 08/02/2020 14:29:48:

Posted by ega on 08/02/2020 12:31:46:

Posted by Michael Gilligan on 07/02/2020 14:35:37:
..

It becomes a two-handed operation [or some variation on that theme] … but I think the benefits outweigh that small disadvantage.

MichaelG.

MichaelG:

May I trouble you to elaborate your two-handed point? […]

.

Yes of course …

The comment was specific to the use-case of appropriately loading a centre

The rack & pinion doesn’t hold position [pressure] and therefore to lock the barrel I use my other hand
… other body parts are available.

MichaelG.

Ah yes, of course; I should have thought of that.

But wouldn't you lock the barrel with screw feed?

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by ega on 08/02/2020 14:54:07:
.

But wouldn't you lock the barrel with screw feed?

.

Yes, but it holds position better than the rack, so you typically have the option of using one hand to do the two jobs sequentially.

MichaelG.

[very dominantly right-handed, so I tend to notice these things]

[egaParticipant @ega]

Posted by Michael Gilligan on 08/02/2020 15:08:18:

Posted by ega on 08/02/2020 14:54:07:
.

But wouldn't you lock the barrel with screw feed?

.

Yes, but it holds position better than the rack, so you typically have the option of using one hand to do the two jobs sequentially.

MichaelG.

[very dominantly right-handed, so I tend to notice these things]

Thanks for explaining.

[Author]

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