The South Bend Saddle Lock Screw: A Comprehensive Guide

The South Bend saddle lock screw is a component of the South Bend lathe, a machine tool used for machining and shaping metal. The saddle lock screw is responsible for securing the carriage of the lathe in place, ensuring that it does not move during operations. Proper installation and adjustment of the saddle lock screw are crucial for the accurate and safe functioning of the lathe. While the screw is designed to fit the lathe securely, some users have encountered issues with the screw being too long or thick, requiring modifications or replacements. Online forums and communities dedicated to machining and lathe enthusiasts provide valuable resources for troubleshooting and acquiring replacement parts for the South Bend saddle lock screw.

South Bend Heavy 10 saddle locks for sale

If you are looking for a saddle or carriage lock for a South Bend Heavy 10" Lathe, there are several options available. One option is to purchase a machined steel plate and bolt, which are stronger than the cast iron originals and cost $10 plus shipping. These can be purchased from individuals online.

Another option is to make your own. You can find drawings and dimensions for the saddle lock online, which can be used to fabricate your own. Some people have reported that it is relatively easy to make your own saddle lock using these drawings.

Additionally, there are companies that sell replacement carriage locks specifically for the South Bend Heavy 10" Lathe. One such company is Lost Creek Machine, which offers a perfect-fit carriage lock for the Heavy 10 at the very bottom of their website.

Finally, you can also try searching for used or vintage carriage locks for the South Bend Heavy 10" Lathe on websites like eBay. However, it may be challenging to find the specific part you need, and the prices may vary.

Carriage lock screw issues

The carriage lock screw is a crucial component in the South Bend lathe, ensuring the carriage remains securely locked in place during operations. However, issues with this screw can arise, causing challenges for machinists.

Common Problems

One of the most frequent issues with the South Bend saddle lock screw is related to its length. In some cases, the square-headed bolt may be too long, causing it to bottom out on the half nut before making proper contact with the saddle. This can be a result of using an incorrect replacement screw or a mismatch between the screw and the specific model of the lathe.

Troubleshooting

To address a carriage lock screw that is too long, several solutions can be considered:

• Spacer or Washers: One possible fix is to add a spacer or stack of washers between the screw head and the saddle. This can help achieve the correct distance and prevent the screw from bottoming out prematurely.
• Cutting the Screw: Another option is to cut down the length of the screw. This requires access to a machine capable of safely and accurately shortening the screw to the required length.
• Replacement Screw: If adjustments or modifications are not feasible, acquiring a replacement screw of the correct length is an option. It is important to verify the compatibility of the replacement screw with the specific model of the South Bend lathe.
• Fabricating a New Screw: In some cases, machinists may choose to fabricate a new screw altogether. This requires access to the appropriate materials and machining capabilities.

Additional Considerations

When dealing with carriage lock screw issues, it is important to consider the overall condition of the lock and its components. Over time, these parts can break or go missing, affecting the proper functioning of the lock. It is recommended to inspect the lock assembly and address any worn or missing parts to ensure optimal performance.

Furthermore, when acquiring replacement parts or making modifications, it is crucial to have precise measurements and dimensions. This ensures that the new components will fit correctly and not interfere with other aspects of the lathe's operation. Online forums and resources can be valuable sources of information for obtaining the correct specifications and troubleshooting guidance.

Saddle lock dimensions

The saddle lock dimensions for a South Bend lathe depend on the model. For example, the dimensions of the lock for a 9" SB S/N 65132 model C are 1.5 inches long, 1.3 inches wide, and 0.5 inches thick. On the other hand, a user with a 10L South Bend lathe provides the dimensions of their saddle lock as 0.5 inches thick, 7/8 inches wide, and a currently unknown length.

For a South Bend Heavy 10" lathe, the carriage lock bolt is available for purchase online. The product description does not include the exact dimensions, but the bolt is described as being in "very nice and clean condition".

A user with a 16" South Bend lathe provides a detailed description of their saddle lock, noting that it is 2.093 inches long, with an upper land to the edge of the block. However, they do not specify the other dimensions of the lock.

It is important to note that the saddle lock dimensions may vary slightly between different models of South Bend lathes. Therefore, it is recommended to refer to the specific model and its corresponding manual or technical drawings for accurate dimensions.

Carriage lock installation

This guide will walk you through the installation process for a carriage lock on a South Bend lathe.

Step 1: Gather the Parts

Before beginning the installation, ensure you have all the necessary parts. You will need a carriage lock nut or block, which can be purchased or fabricated, and a bolt of the appropriate size. If you plan to fabricate the carriage lock nut, you will need precise measurements or a drawing to work from.

Step 2: Prepare the Lathe

Accessing the saddle lock area on an assembled lathe can be challenging. You may need to remove the saddle or other components to create enough space to work comfortably. Power off the lathe and ensure it is securely clamped or fixed in place to prevent accidental movement during the installation process.

Step 3: Fit the Carriage Lock

With the lathe prepared, you can now fit the carriage lock. Position the carriage lock nut or block in the correct location, ensuring it is securely clamped against the bottom of the ways to lock the carriage. Carefully thread the bolt through the saddle, following any provided instructions or diagrams for proper orientation.

Step 4: Adjust and Test

Once the carriage lock and bolt are in place, carefully adjust the bolt to ensure it does not bottom out on any other components before making contact with the saddle. Test the carriage lock by engaging and disengaging it to ensure smooth and secure operation. Make any necessary adjustments to the bolt length or positioning to achieve optimal performance.

Step 5: Finalize Installation

After confirming that the carriage lock functions correctly, secure any remaining fasteners and reassemble any components that were removed to access the saddle lock area. Ensure all tools and equipment are cleared from the lathe, and you are now ready to resume normal operation.

Note: This guide provides a general installation procedure. Depending on your specific South Bend lathe model, the process may vary slightly, and it is essential to refer to the appropriate manual or seek guidance from a qualified technician if needed.

Carriage lock replacement

A carriage lock is a convenient and helpful mechanism for tasks where the carriage needs to remain stationary. The carriage lock is usually located under the rubber way protectors.

South Bend Saddle Lock Screw Replacement

If you are looking to replace the carriage lock on a South Bend lathe, you can either purchase a new one or fabricate your own.

Purchasing a New Carriage Lock

You can find South Bend saddle locks for sale on forums such as Practical Machinist and The Hobby-Machinist, or on sites like eBay. Prices can vary, but generally range from $10 to $84. When purchasing a new carriage lock, ensure that it is compatible with your specific South Bend lathe model.

Fabricating Your Own Carriage Lock

If you have the necessary tools and skills, you can fabricate your own carriage lock. This option may be more cost-effective, especially if you have access to the required materials. Here are the general steps to fabricate a carriage lock:

• Obtain the dimensions or a drawing of the existing carriage lock. You may need to disassemble the lathe to access and measure the lock.
• Using the obtained dimensions or drawing as a guide, fabricate a new carriage lock. The lock typically consists of two flat steel plates that squeeze the center ways of the carriage, acting as a linear brake.
• Attach the top plate to the carriage using sheet metal and machine screws. Ensure that the machine screw is located on the far side to avoid interference with the lead screw.
• Install an actuator, such as a short carriage bolt, and a locking nut with a handle for easy operation.
• Adjust the orientation of the carriage bolt to ensure that the handle can lock the carriage without obstruction. Secure the bolt with a hex nut.
• If necessary, revise the design to accommodate additional features, such as DROs, by using a cam instead of a screw actuator.

Additional Tips

• When fabricating a carriage lock, you can add decorative elements, such as whimsical machining on the locking nut.
• If you are unable to find the exact dimensions for your specific South Bend lathe model, you can use the dimensions of a similar model as a guide and make adjustments as needed.

Unlocking a Locked Carriage

If your carriage is locked and you are unable to move it, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try:

• Check for a carriage return release lever, typically located on the far right of the machine. Depress or push forward this lever to release the carriage.
• Look for a lock key under the carriage and ensure that it is unlocked.
• Inspect the passage for any obstructions, such as a piece of paper, and clean it if necessary. There may be a release button to assist with this.
• Try moving the carriage manually, but do so with caution to avoid damaging the mechanism.
• Consult the user manual for your specific machine, as it may provide instructions on unlocking the carriage.

By following these steps and guidelines, you can successfully replace or repair the carriage lock on your South Bend lathe, ensuring a secure and functional carriage for your projects.

Frequently asked questions