The Lathe in question is a new Wabeco D3000E. I know they are not that
common so FYI:

http://www.mdaprecision.com/Products...0E/D3000E.html

I am the only owner so I know it hasn't been abused (yet). The arbor
and drill chuck are also pretty new and look to be ding free. Thanks
for the suggestions. I will try the "fork" idea if it happens again and
also get one of those taper cleaners.

BTW. I discolored the ram a bit when I heated it but everything seems
to fit back together OK. Did I upset the hardening or anything like
that? If so, can I (or should I) do anything about it?