I ended up lightly pinching the middle cap screw, then make the adjustment screws just touching, and lock them in place already (while holding the allen-key tight in the adjustment screws as not to turn them), then pinch the other cap screws, all done.
Now it is moving just as described in the 3rd pic, slight drag, yet almost (like really almost) no free play.
After not liking some elements of the first lathe I got, the Emco Unimat 4 I went looking for another one, that did have those features or differently than this Emco, while still being quite small in size, but not capability.
An Emco Compact 5 was an option, cause it could also do threading, but most for sale were too expensive for their age/usage and not a lot were offered anyways. The 2 major other ones were Sherline and Taig (also known als Peatol or Grimberg) and even if Sherline also makes a lot of stuff in metric, you just don’t see them sold in EU much, Taig however, even if not metric, was. And then I found one.
Quick-clamping toolholder with double-dovetail triangular body for taking accessories.
supplied with 1 fixing bolt and one 5-mm (13/64″) internal-square key (without toolholder) Weight: .240 kg (.529 lb)
Specification
Rational shape permitting logical positioning of the tool and ensuring unimpeded visibility and optimum clearance when using the centre. Great ease of handling and quick tool changing without retracting the carriage. Constantly accurate positioning of the interchangeable accessories ensured by seat on three faces of the dovetail of the tool-body dovetail. Absolute tool stability achieved by locking with a cam piston and by restricting the overhang to a minimum. Provision for parallel turning with two different tool positions (90° and 30°) without moving the clamping block. The 30° position of the tool is particularly favourable for roughing work, the tool being supported along its axis. The tool holders for drilling and reaming automatically re-establish the parallel position. Adjustment of the cutting height of the tool with the aid of a self-locking screw on each tool holder, avoiding the trouble of using packing pieces. Grinding of the tools without any need to remove them from the tool holders. Possibility of pre-setting several replacement tools for machining large batches. Unlimited number of successive operations possible when machining complex parts, the number depending only on the quantity of tool holders available. Provision for using tools of standard lengths, the projecting portion at the rear of the toolholder causing no obstruction.
Accessories 2-screw toolholder, length 35 mm (1 3/8″), 7.7 x 8.2-mm (19/64 x 21/64″) opening. Weight: .060 kg (.132 lb) 2-screw bar holder, length 35mm (1 3/8″), 7.7 x 8.2-mm (19/64 x 21/64″) opening with vee groove for ø8 mm. Weight: .060 kg (.132 lb) 2-screw bar holder, length 35mm (1 3/8″), 8 x 9.5-mm (5/16 x 3/8″) opening with vee groove for ø8 mm, at 30° angle. Weight: .080 kg (.176 lb) Cutting-off toolholder, length 35 mm (1 3/8″), for 8 x 2 mm (5/16 x 5/64″) tool with double-cut profile. Weight: .60 kg (.132 lb)
