Axminster CCL lathe
 

I'm using an Axminster CCL
http://www.axminster.co.uk/recno/4/p...athe-21724.htm
This is either the cheapest dog in the pound,
or else it's a bargain version of their M900 for half the price.
http://www.axminster.co.uk/recno/2/p...athe-21283.htm

In general I like this lathe - and it's unbeatable for that price.
Variable speed, swings 11" over the bed, plenty of power for the size,
nice well-damped iron bed, and the headstock swivels to allow bigger
bowl turning. And that's where the problem lies - the headstock
clamp-down.

When I take a heavy cut, particularly diving into end grain, the
headstock visibly lifts on its clamp. Obviously this is a problem for
vibration and accuracy. I was turning nylon bar on it recently and was
having significant trouble with chatter. If I'm using a tailstock
centre it's not too bad, but it doesn't inspire confidence when working
big bowls swivelled away from the tailstock support. I've got some 18"
blanks ready to go and I'd really like to do something with it before I
start.

Does the M900 have the same problem?

Anyone worked out a fix for it ?

Unfortunately most of my metalworking kit is in another workshop from
the lathe, so my usual Scrapyard Challenge approach isn't easy.