Mini Lathe alignment

[pequod]

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

[Tom]

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.

[irving2008]

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
Google is your friend.... here is a selection...
http://www.gadgetbuilder.com/Lathe_Align.html
http://www.wrathall.com/Interests/machining/Testing%20lathe%20for%20accuracy.pdf (old and general but useful - I used this on my old-timer)
http://www.mini-lathe.com/Mini_lathe/Tuning/tuning.htm