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Woodfast M Series Tailstock jammed

B

Bradford Whitman

Joined
Oct 30, 2025
Messages
6
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2
Location
Wynnewood, PA
Is there anyone out there who had or still has this vintage lathe on which David Elsworth taught me woodturning?

My tailstock jammed, and I got an email back from Australia with a Utube video for Powermatic and Jet, but not Woodfast (discontinued).

I cannot get the handwheel removed even after removing the mostly hidden set screw.

I have sprayed WD 40 thoroughly.

I surmise from the very small slot in shaft at the working side that I should stick the same Allen wrench in there to hold it and then unturn the handle?

This did not work.

I suspect my gross negligence in not cleaning the tailstock for too many years to admit has put an end to this machine that has special meaning to me.

Thanks for any reply.

Brad Whitman
PA
 
If it’s rust that’s the culprit, use a 50/50 mix of automatic transmission fluid and acetone. It penetrates better than anything on the market. Next is the product Kroil. Both better than Liquid Wrench. WD40 is way down on the penetrating scale.

And if threadloc was used on a set screw, it takes heat.
 
Last edited:
I have one, it's a good machine. It is not discontinued, they are still being made in Asia for Woodfast. What exactly happened to the tailstock that you need to remove the handwheel? Can you post a few pictures?
 
No pure solution from me but two thoughts: (1) Kroil is an excellent penetrant. WD40 is a pretender; (2) No reason to give up, be patient waiting for the best advice. If the lathe were in my shop, I'd apply Kroil repeatedly and strongly "jiggle/pull" the hand wheel (in the past I've been tempted to whack with a deadblow hammer, but resisted the urge). These darn things can get firmly stuck with absolutely no rust - as you surmise, it's due to lack of cleaning. Our Powermatics are particularly susceptible, probably because they are the most heavily used especially for wet bowls of size. Once it's out, clean screw thoroughly, remove any burrs from locking slot and lube appropriately.

PS: if you do give up, I'll pay the freight to Washington State. :-)
 
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