I recently aquired a new mini lathe (7x14) and have been unable to align the tailstock (new type with 4 grub screws).
Tom suggested I check the headstock alignment.
Any suggestions on how to do this:question:
Thanks
Ed
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I recently aquired a new mini lathe (7x14) and have been unable to align the tailstock (new type with 4 grub screws).
Tom suggested I check the headstock alignment.
Any suggestions on how to do this:question:
Thanks
Ed
Hi Ed,
Sorry for the delay. This is the method I used. Probably frowned upon by proper machinists, but this is just a hobby, and it seems to work.
http://www.gadgetbuilder.com/Lathe_Align.html
First up just measure what you've got (mine wasn't great, vertically I had 0.13mm error over 190mm distance). Actually changing the alignment of the spindle can be done with shims (foil, drinks cans, etc) under various corners of the headstock casting. Getting access to the appropriate screws means you have to remove (or loosen at least loosen) the electronics box, motor, changegears, and leadscrew.
It's a bit of a faff, but taught me lots (like the fact the torque on the screws can affect the readings). End result is that vertical alignment is now ~0.01mm over 190mm, and horizontal alignment is better than I can measure.
Google is your friend.... here is a selection...Quote:
Originally Posted by pequod
http://www.gadgetbuilder.com/Lathe_Align.html
http://www.wrathall.com/Interests/ma...20accuracy.pdf (old and general but useful - I used this on my old-timer)
http://www.mini-lathe.com/Mini_lathe/Tuning/tuning.htm