Quote Originally Posted by Kip View Post
Hi, If you're pouring new bearings why not have the shaft reground and re hardened for a few quid? Failing that I'd try and make sure there were no high spots rather than using w&d to gain the appearance of smooth/round/ground etc.

Are you going to use the lathe or is it ornamental?
Hi Kip, Oh definitely for use... got several projects planned... including the restoration of two other lathes...

My original thought was to get it reground but was advised by others with greater knowledge that this wasn't a good idea as it would increase the play in the bearing surfaces for the pulleys and back- and bull-gears which could introduce chatter... and that a good polish was sufficient with white metal bearings as long as they were well scraped after... a regrind would take at least 10thou off and this would mean the pulleys running with the backgear would have >15thou bearing clearance which is not good for a oiled bronze bearing IMHO