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[Todd Adams]

I am awaiting for my 1st lathe to arrive.
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I know that it isn't the beset, but it had decent reviews and fit my budget. Last nite I watched a guy use a plumb bob to align his lathe. That looked really practical to me.
My question is what do most experienced machinist do. I feel a combination of both would be ideal. I do understand that it's not so much about leveling but more about alignment.5
It just seems a waste of time to go back and forth with a level to get it correct and tee than do the 2 collar cut test and adjust it again.
Any thoughts?
Thanked e44

 

[benmychree]

The two collar test is likely the best choice for small lathes, real leveling is only necessary for lathes with more than 4 legs, that is machines with a center support under the bed. That said, any lathe should probably be roughly level.