- Joined
- Nov 16, 2012
- Messages
- 5,596
Actually the RDM is also for adjusting - unfortunately it is a trial and error process. Without photos or the manual, it's hard to give you any better advice. Please forgive me for repeating that the chances of the bar being perfectly straight are limited. I bought two from McMaster (12" and 18" lengths) and both are great diameter wise and both were out over the length.
Mark's advice to contact @darkzero and @Ray C is still one of your best bets for help since no other PM1236 owners have picked up on the thread thus far. I believe Will and Ray get a "notice of mention" since I used the "@" in front of their user names and perhaps will pick up here. But a p.m. from you would be more certain.
First things first... Matt and I are friends and I still think the world of him, his business and the equipment he sells but, be apprised, I do not represent his company nor, do I provide warranty work for his fielded equipment. I'm purely a customer and matter of fact, need to give him a call to order another big heavy box. Anyhow, due to the difficulties in working commercially in the "hobbyist" arena, I no longer conduct business transactions in that area. After 3-4 years away from this web site, I'm back only to show shop and fabrication techniques purely to help keep the trades alive -and do it in a friendly forum.
Alignment:
In general, this style of lathe has (as I recall) 4 main bolts that keep the headstock on. I'm pointing at two of them and the other two are back by motor. I cannot take pictures because of the way the shop is currently laid out. Those bolts back by the motor had a a couple push-pull screws associated with them and that is how the head is moved precisely. All 4 bolts have to be loosened to utilize the push-pull bolts.
If a lathe has been assembled properly at the factory, it should survive shipping and only need leg/bench adjustment to make it cut straight. However, rough shipping can bump things out of whack. If it's been disassembled, alignment goes out the window. I'm not sure what bolts the OP believes are missing but, it sounds like he's talking about the alignment pin holes for the lower gearbox. Without pictures, it's hard to say.
Even after 4 years, Matt has supported many customers with issues that cropped-up down the road -and for a variety of reasons. Strongly advise that Matt be consulted. As far as I know, that lathe is still the same pattern as they have always been and he knows every nut, bolt and screw in them.
Regards
Ray