For you B-port fans

[NP317]

That sounds like normal operation: Rotate either direction to brake.
Same on my newer milling machine.
RN

[John Evans]

Rotate the handle either way that should apply the brake. With brake applied to keep the brake applied then you pull the handle towards you to keep the brake engaged, handy when changing heavy tooling like a boring head or tightening the draw bar. personally I never found the need to lock the spindle, I just hold the brake on till I get the draw bar loosened or tightened.

[earlgo]

Rotating the handle and then pulling to lock was my intuitive solution when the issue came up. We tried that and the brake disengaged.
This begs the question, why is there a cam-lock feature on the handle if it releases the brake?
As mentioned, the owner is waiting for the operation manual. Hopefully it will explain what the use is, and even better, how to fix it if it fails.
--earlgo

[John Evans]

I would say worn parts somewhere in that area. If a step pulley head pretty easy to get into that area,vari speeds a little harder. Like I said if the brake it's self works OK I wouldn't worry too much about it.

[Harold_V]

I have one of the 2 horse heads on my BP, which was provided with the machine when purchased. The handle on mine rotates in either direction, which applies the brake. Pulling on the handle locks it in the chosen position, so the spindle can be locked (handle pulled), or free (handle relaxed). Pulling out does nothing more than lock the handle in the given position.

H

[earlgo]

The Bport owner got the manual for the series 1 machine and it says clearly in it that there is no adjustment for the brake in the J head. One has to disassemble the drive unit to replace the bands. It doesn't mention anything about previous proctology experience, but it appears that it might be useful.
--earlgo