Thanks for the info Larry. I have removed the clutch shaft, and
there is certainly more friction on the forward than the reverse
clutch, so it may be as simple as cleaning it thoroughly. I will
give that a try next.

"larry g" wrote in message ...
Nick
I'm going to speak in some general terms here as I'm not familiar with your
specific clutch, but multi plate clutches have some common features. When
cleaning this lathe up did you disassemble the clutch and clean it? I
suspect not and there may be some resistance to motion there. The plates of
the clutch are splined to the output shaft and must slide linearly so that
disengagement can happen. If this lathe has been setting then you may also
have just some stickiness to the plates. With out power applied and the
machine in neutral can you feel much drag in the clutch? Is it sticky?
Clean if necessary.