Hi everyone I have had several requests for pictures of the device I made for my ex-Emco lathe, to facilitate the withdrawal of the tool, when reversing to the beginning of the thread. I have sent these pictures directly by email. This system is a lot quicker and easier to make, than the more elegant series of retracting devices. An even more basis device, which I have not made, but which should work,certainly on the finer threads, is to hinge the cradle of the cutting tool, and swing this upwards to clear the thread on reversing. Cheers! Hubert MODEL ENGINEERING DISCUSSION LIST. To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, send a blank email to, modeleng-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject line.