- Joined
- Nov 23, 2020
- Messages
- 791
Looks like I am cutting a 1.5 thou taper over 6”. Let the fun begin
Try locking the compound slide and leaning lightly on the toolpost pushing the tool into the bar when taking a cut. This will take out some slack in the setup, if this cuts without a taper then it is slack in the lathe ways. If it still has a taper then you can disregard this. It is a quick test to eliminate one potential issue.Just did a facing cut .. almost no difference from to back (.0001-.0002 over 3") - so I am guessing that my gear head alignment is fine. Even though I used a precision level - doing the two collar test - I still have a .002 taper (the largest is towards the chuck). Im guessing that my ways are still slightly twisted.
What a pain in the ...
I had been looking at these but when I saw they were made in 1ndia I retreated. I have gotten some of the worst quality junk from there. But I did just order the MT5 test bar stated to have a max runout of 0.0002”. Thanks for the recommendation David.I invested in one of these - makes aligning the headstock very easy. Once the headstock is aligned you can adjust out any twist in the lathe bed.
![]()
Lathe Alignment Test Bar Shank Size 1MT, 2MT, 3MT, 4MT, 5MT, 6MT Hawk | eBay
2MT 283mm (11-1/8”) 0.0002”. 3MT 335mm (13-3/16”) 0.0002”. 4MT 386mm (15-1/4”) 0.0002”. 6MT 507mm (19-7/8") 0.0002". 1MT 151mm (5-15/16”) 0.0002”. 5MT 400mm (15-3/4") 0.0002”. Hawk Werkzeuge comprises of a dedicated and skilled team of engineers with an aim of providing you tools of highest...www.ebay.com
I have ordered one. I will inspect it and report my results here. Advertised TIR is 0.0002”.I've bought two of these both out of spec. In fact the last one I bought had .003" TIR. However, I was refunded the total amount I paid without needing to send back to India (2nd one).
I feel your pain. My lathe is cutting tapers too. And I thought I was going to spend my retirement making little steam engines.Just did a facing cut .. almost no difference from to back (.0001-.0002 over 3") - so I am guessing that my gear head alignment is fine. Even though I used a precision level - doing the two collar test - I still have a .002 taper (the largest is towards the chuck). Im guessing that my ways are still slightly twisted.
What a pain in the ...
These photos and the descriptions that accompany each image might be helpful. I'll be interested to hear your measured run-out on the test bar. I spent $120 for mine hoping that would be an indication of quality, and was rewarded with a very accurate test bar - or perhaps I just got lucky.I had been looking at these but when I saw they were made in 1ndia I retreated. I have gotten some of the worst quality junk from there. But I did just order the MT5 test bar stated to have a max runout of 0.0002”. Thanks for the recommendation David.