Adjusting cross slide Colchester bantam lathe

Hi chaps, today I tried to take out a bit of play in my lathes cross slide. However it turned out to be one of those jobs you wish you had not started. One thing lead to another and I ended up removing the cross slide due to the build up of metal cuttings in the slides. So I looked at the screw nut for play, and could not find anything to talk about. So I cleaned it all up, coated with light gun oil and refitted. And now to the problem. The cross slide moves in one direction, but will not return towards the turn wheel. Looking at the parts manual, nothing looks as it’s missing, so what have I done wrong, or overlooked, is there a method you must follow to set the cross slide up. Thanks, Michael

Hi Terry,

Can you be a bit more specific. When you say only moves in one direction, does the handwheel turn in that direction and not move the slide, or is the handwheel locked as well? I don't have a Bantam, but a Chipmaster and I believe the slides are similar.

Hi, the hand wheel moves in both directions, but the cross slide just moves in one. I can move it towards the centre of the bed, but not back again, I need to push it back.

Hi,

Assuming that the assembly is the same as the Chipmaster and you don't have a taper turning attachment installed. I think you have missed the lock nut that secures the screw to the handle. This goes through the centre of the big handwheel nut.