Removing the saddle and apron. There's a somewhat easier approach than sliding the entire carriage off the ways, as described in the Rockwell manual. ( It's very heavy. ) To remove the apron for service and inspection, proceed as follows: Remove the tailstock assembly completely and crank the carriage assembly down towards the right end of the lathe. Remove the two bolts holding the lead screw bearing to the bed and pull off the lead screw bearing itself, set the bearing and bolts aside. Now, loosen the three allen bolts holding the apron to the saddle, enough to lower the apron about 1/4" (up to this point, we've followed the same procedure as in the manual.) Slowly slide the carriage assembly to the right, off the ways, until you hear the lead screw fall loose from the apron, (you'll hear a click) Go no further. Now support the apron with one hand while totally loosening the three allen bolts, as the last one is released, prepare to support and balance the apron as it falls free from the lathe. The saddle is left behind on the ways, and can be easily lifted off.