HF 7X10 LATHE

[epj]

I have this little HF lathe, which I realize is strictly an entry level machine. It's sole purpose is to drill a #12 hole in the end of a 3/8" alloy cap screw. My question is how to adjust/check the tail stock to get it dead centered on the spindle/cap screw. I've had it real close and even pinned the tailstock to the bed, but it still seems to move a few thou when I change bits.


Is there a small machine available which is more accurate than this machine?

 

[dave2176]

Sounds like two things? You typically turn a 60* point on a piece in your chuck and then line the tail stock using its dead center to the point you turned.

Also sounds like your tail stock doesn't clamp in the same alignment after you loosen it and retighten it. Does it ride on a bed way "V"? If it depends on the inner edges of the ways to keep it straight you could peen one side to snug it up.

Dave