Is my lathe scrap, Emco compact 8

liteace

Registered
Registered
Joined
Apr 13, 2020
Messages
59
Is my lathe scrap or can the saddle / carriage (B4A-000-110) adjusted, I was turning the tool-post round today and noticed I have a slight bit of play in the saddle / carriage?





saddle.PNG
 
The quick release tool post has allen bolt holding it down, I wanted to make a taper today, when I put the allen wrench in I can feel play in the loosening or tightening movement

play.PNG
 
Can you feel the same play if you grab the compound and push/twist on it? It's not clear where the play you're feeling is coming from, this could just be the t-nut underneath the QCTP is not a tight fit (no big deal). (I'm not sure if this lathe uses a t-nut or just a threaded hole). Try completely removing the QCTP and seeing if you can identify the location of the play. There may be a simple fix.
 
The play is in / on the saddle / carriage where it slides on the bed, the compound, that's been off, cleaned, refitted and adjusted





saddle_play.png
 
Last edited:
It may then be a major repair, but worth investigating further. It could be something as simple as a chip caught between the carriage and the bed lifting the carriage up and out of place. Does the play change depending on the where the carriage is on the bed, near headstock vs near the tailstock? Are the ways showing signs of wear? Probably worth taking the carriage apart and cleaning under it. Then checking the fit without the apron and cross slide on it.

Of course, even a with a worn saddle and bed the lathe may still work fine for a lot of work.
 
Check that 4 and 9 are adjusted properly. It's hard to tell from the diagram, but it looks like they might be adjustments for the slides on the ways. Maybe not, but if you have a manual I would suggest checking to see if there is some adjustment that can be made.

Ted
 
Thanks,,,,,,, Ive always thought there was a problem with it due to the way it cuts, I'll pull it apart and have a look, Ive look in the book and no mention of adjustment of that part
Im surprised there is no adjustment on that part as they've made everything else adjustable
 
Back
Top