- Joined
- May 29, 2014
- Messages
- 188
Greetings Group
I am a relatively new member; but not new to machining. I do not claim to be an expert, either.
I have migrated from the Yahoo 9x20 group where I participated actively for over 10 years. My DSU (Designated Spousal Unit) & I are both recently retired, and plan to relocate from Anchorage, Alaska to the United States. Most likely to Delaware--still undecided on that point. I have sold almost all of my home shop equipment, and plan to re-establish a small shop after we find a new home. I am currently leaning toward the PM 12x36 and the PM 932. I also dabble in welding with Mig, Tig, & OA.
Anyway, on to the topic that I have been thinking about---Lathe Leveling. Over the years, there were many (sometimes heated) discussions concerning leveling the lathes on the 9x20 group. Some of them got pretty exciting, with some members loudly voicing the opinion that the entire machine must be totally "level" in all directions. Others (me among them) voiced the opinion that the only real requirement was for the ways to be straight and parallel. This means no twisting or sagging, etc. A machinist level is mandatory for this check and adjustment--at least I used to think so. I found the following YouTube video this morning, and really enjoyed it. To me, it makes perfect sense, and the machines can be checked after fabbing a relatively inexpensive jig without the expense of a real machinist level. Here is the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qIdsnl5vpg
I hope you enjoy it & find it of some value.
I also have a website primarily devoted to the 9x20, but there are a few articles & links that could apply to any lathe:
http://www.akpilot.net
Well, that is about it for now. I am beginning to go through withdrawal over not having any tools to play with.
Jerry in (for now) Anchorage
I am a relatively new member; but not new to machining. I do not claim to be an expert, either.
I have migrated from the Yahoo 9x20 group where I participated actively for over 10 years. My DSU (Designated Spousal Unit) & I are both recently retired, and plan to relocate from Anchorage, Alaska to the United States. Most likely to Delaware--still undecided on that point. I have sold almost all of my home shop equipment, and plan to re-establish a small shop after we find a new home. I am currently leaning toward the PM 12x36 and the PM 932. I also dabble in welding with Mig, Tig, & OA.
Anyway, on to the topic that I have been thinking about---Lathe Leveling. Over the years, there were many (sometimes heated) discussions concerning leveling the lathes on the 9x20 group. Some of them got pretty exciting, with some members loudly voicing the opinion that the entire machine must be totally "level" in all directions. Others (me among them) voiced the opinion that the only real requirement was for the ways to be straight and parallel. This means no twisting or sagging, etc. A machinist level is mandatory for this check and adjustment--at least I used to think so. I found the following YouTube video this morning, and really enjoyed it. To me, it makes perfect sense, and the machines can be checked after fabbing a relatively inexpensive jig without the expense of a real machinist level. Here is the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qIdsnl5vpg
I hope you enjoy it & find it of some value.
I also have a website primarily devoted to the 9x20, but there are a few articles & links that could apply to any lathe:
http://www.akpilot.net
Well, that is about it for now. I am beginning to go through withdrawal over not having any tools to play with.
Jerry in (for now) Anchorage