Help With Mystery Turret Tool Post

[MrFixIt]

Hey all, this one has me stumped so I could use some input:

Victim: Craftsman 12x36, 101-28910; bed tag says it's a 1965.

My problem is with the turret tool post that's on it. I'm pretty certain it's not factory, everything I've seen shows the Craftsman/Atlas lathes all came with the lantern style.

Please reference the attached pictures to put my description in context. There is absolutely no manufacture markings on it (tool post) at all.

This post doesn't seem to have a locking mechanism. I can put the tool in position, tighten the bolt and that'll anchor the round center to the compound via the T-nut, but the square body spins on the threads that seem to be the height adjustment. I took it apart and examined it and I can't see what is supposed to keep it in place, it screws all the way up and down and off the center, but no method of locking.

Am I missing something obvious here? Or is it missing something? Help!

TIA!

-Niles

 

[JimDawson]

I'm going to say that is a shop made tool post. It looks like the top washer should lock the turret if the bolt is tightened. I see a mark on the turret that looks like where the washer sits. Maybe the washer is not seating? Bolt too long? Maybe hitting the t-nut before it seats on the turret?

 

[John Hasler]

Doesn't the socket-head bolt pull the cap down tight against the body? That would lock the body to the core and pull the core down tight. Obviously the top of the body would have to be positioned above the top of the core.

 

[MrFixIt]

Yep, you guys called it, it's the clamping action of the top washer against the turret that's supposed to lock it in place. What was happening is the center was too high up; the washer pressed against it before it got to the turret body.
I unscrewed it to drop the center mount down, but then the tool was too high. Solved this by removing the washer/shim that was between the compound and the bottom of the center.
It all locks down tight now and I made a bunch of cuts with no issues!
Thanks for steering me in the right direction!!!
-Niles