PM1228 apron handle disengaging

[jdougfir]

Just got my new PM1228 lathe and my question concerns the main apron handle slipping out of gear during manual positioning.

Push in on the main apron handle and rotate left or right to move the saddle left or right. Simple. I get it.

The problem is when turning say, to the right, the slightest, and I mean very slight, lessening of the forward pressure on the handle and it will slip out of gear. If your doing a fair bit of manual turning or just manual positioning it quickly becomes a PIA.

Turn - slip - reengage - turn - slip, etc.

Question: is there any way to lock that handle so it is engaged all the time? Or at least tighten something to make it harder to disengage?

Thanks
John

 

[darkzero]

The apron handwheel that traverses the carriage? I had no idea lathes had a feature like that & for what reason?

 

[Bob Korves]

Call Matt and ask him.

 

[pdentrem]

Safety, the handle will remain stationary as the carriage moves under power, or when feeding the cross slide by hand your own hand would possible hit the carriage handle. I too find it bothersome when moving the carriage but it is what it is.
Pierre