1970’s 15x50 Clausing Colchester Tail stock adjustment help

[Janderso]

I noticed quite a bit of backlash in the tailstock wheel adjustment.
My working assumption is that it’s in the brass not for the screw.
To my surprise, it’s tight. The lead screw looks great front to back!! Based on the taper and outside of the quill, it has had very kind use.

So, I noticed the hand wheel retention nut as finger tight. As I recall, if I tighten it I won’t be able to turn the handle.
This same nut must be for bearing pre-load and may also determine front to back play. Makes sense right?
Ok, how to I adjust it and secure it from moving?

If you know this lathe, do you happen to know this bit?

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[Janderso]

Hang on mate, look what I found. An adjustment screw.
I loosened the inner allen screw and tightened the pinned nut tight. I had drag so I back it off about 1/8 turn, smooth as glass.
I then turned in the allen screw until I made contact .

I now have about .002” of runout in the hand wheel.
I really thought I was going to have to make a nut. I priced one from Clausing. $950. =Not!