HF 7X10 MT2 Quill question

[eaglezsoar]

I have a HF 5X7 mini-lathe and I see that there are accessories available for it that use the MT2 Taper. My question is what holds these accessories in the taper? There is no drawbar, just a handle to control the extension of the quill. I'm sure this is an easy answer but I have not yet been able to figure out what holds the accessories. If it is the taper itself that holds it in place
then how could it be removed? I see nothing that would allow you to press it out as you would find on a drill press. Thanks in advance!

[doorknob]

Normally it is a friction fit. They can be removed by pushing them away from the tapered mating surface (often by moving a handwheel adjustment beyond a certain point whereupon the taper no longer mates with the housing).

See Machine taper - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[eaglezsoar]

Thanks for the reply and the Wikipedia reference.
Now I understand.

[sansbury]

Doorknob has it right. A drawbar becomes important when you have a side load (as you get on a mill with an endmill), which can overcome the friction fit. A tailstock quill or drill press can get away without it.

One small thing to note is that the 7x tailstock has a short taper. If you buy a standard 2MT arbor, it will be too long. Little Machine Shop carries stub length tapers made for this, or you can just cut about 1/2-3/4" off the narrow end of the taper and you'll be good.

[eaglezsoar]

Thanks for letting me know about the MT2 length difference. I would have bought the wrong length and would have to cut off the end. You saved me a lot of grief. That's why I like the Zone, people willing to give you the needed info before you make a mistake. Thanks again.