after 5 mins of digging around and removing some old n crusty silicone/pvc/ & wood and what might have once rubber I finally managed to pry out an alloy tube from within the old tiller arm

huh



another 5mins and hey presto...



and after yet another 5mins....



as of this post the 2 alloy tubes have been thoroughly cleaned of all the debris that was fouling it up, the 2 bits now slide easily in an out and the concentric lock is also working a treat, half a twist and its locked in place turn it back and its unlocked and the length can easily be adjusted...

how good is that
and now I even have a spare conduit tiller extension as well


what else can I attack that means I don't go near the lathe...