Recently I did that. I leveled the lathe bed as close as I could get it but it still cut a taper and the tail stock alignment is different 12 inches out than up by the spindle.One thing you might want to try when you're feeling better is to level the lathe and take a test cut and see if the lathe cuts straight. Yes, the lathe might move some with that foundation, but it doesn't seem to me that it would move immediately... so, level, take a test cut, check the piece and then you can even re-check level and see what results you get. Then, take action based on the results you see.
Hope you feel better and good luck,
Ted
Recently I did that. I leveled the lathe bed as close as I could get it but it still cut a taper and the tail stock alignment is different 12 inches out than up by the spindle.
I used a machinist level to level the cabinet on the floor ( I know that is probably useless). I then leveled the bed on the cabinet and still cut a taper ( around .003" over 5 inches. That along with the tail stock lines up at the spindle but not at the other end of the bed is what made me think the head stock may be off.Can I ask how you are leveling it? Sounds like it is mounted on some type of bench or cabinet. I assume and hope you are leveling it by using the mounting screws/bolts/lags or whatever is fastening the lathe itself to the bench or table top rather than just leveling the bench or table itself? If the lathe bed it drawn down to whatever you have it mounted on twisted, leveling the cabinet or table top will have no effect to take the twist out of the lathe bed.
I assume you are doing it correctly, but just wanted to throw this out there.
Ted
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Well ..... if it comes to rebuilding the shop, I'm afraid I will have to live with it.That floor is moving as you walk on it. In my opinion you have to start with a solid foundation. Al.
That floor is moving as you walk on it. In my opinion you have to start with a solid foundation. Al.