Hello @Rideguy!
Thanks for your question. Having irregular 1099 consulting income can definitely present a little challenge in accurately estimating and pre-paying your taxes. While it is technically possible to make one-time (or at least brief) increases in your withholding from your employment income, in your situation, it's likely easier to do the quarterly estimated tax payments. You don't have to pay every quarter, just the quarters you have earnings. This IRS table is helpful for getting the timing right.
Since you can pay the IRS directly at IRS.gov (and it's a similar process for California), the process should be pretty painless for the two or so times a year you need to make those payments - likely much easier than trying to adjust your W-4 withholdings and then shift them back.
I hope that helps to answer your question, but if you need any follow-up advice or information, feel free to reply to the thread, and I'll respond to anything new you post!
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