- Joined
- May 16, 2016
- Messages
- 1,693
Doug, well done, it would appear that it has been out of alignment for some time. and It will take time to get it back, each time you make a major adjustment, you need to let the main castings relax again, because old stresses have been relieved and new ones applied.
If you're having trouble getting the headstock to move and stay in position as you tighten the bolts. maybe over time a lot of crud has filled the clearances around the bolts and won't allow things to move properly. Is it possible to lift the headstock off the lathe and check the mating surfaces, yes I know it's a big job, and must be done with extreme care.
Actually before you attempt that, completely remove the holding bolts, one at at time, and remove any crud that has accumulated in the holes. I expect you will get quite a bit of crud out. Replace each bolt before moving on to the next one. Then you will find that it will move better and stay moved as you tighten it up. If That is successful, you may not need to lift it.
One thou per inch is still quite a lot. but one thou per foot is pretty good and many people will accept that, but you should be able to get it to within one thou over the full length between centers. You make the call how good do you want it. think about the things you are going to machine, if you are making a bush that is one inch long an it has a taper of one thou, is that a problem, no not really.
Enjoy.
If you're having trouble getting the headstock to move and stay in position as you tighten the bolts. maybe over time a lot of crud has filled the clearances around the bolts and won't allow things to move properly. Is it possible to lift the headstock off the lathe and check the mating surfaces, yes I know it's a big job, and must be done with extreme care.
Actually before you attempt that, completely remove the holding bolts, one at at time, and remove any crud that has accumulated in the holes. I expect you will get quite a bit of crud out. Replace each bolt before moving on to the next one. Then you will find that it will move better and stay moved as you tighten it up. If That is successful, you may not need to lift it.
One thou per inch is still quite a lot. but one thou per foot is pretty good and many people will accept that, but you should be able to get it to within one thou over the full length between centers. You make the call how good do you want it. think about the things you are going to machine, if you are making a bush that is one inch long an it has a taper of one thou, is that a problem, no not really.
Enjoy.