Tailstock Setup
The tailstock alignment was set at the factory with the headstock. However, we recommend that you take the time to ensure that the tailstock is aligned to your own desired tolerances.
To align the tailstock:
1.Center drill a 6'' long piece of bar stock on both ends. Set it aside for use in Step 4.
2.Make a dead center by turning a shoulder to make a shank. Flip the piece over in the chuck and turn a 60° point (see Figure 12). As long as it remains in the chuck, the point of your center will be accurate to the spindle axis.
Note: Keep in mind that the point will have to be refinished whenever it is removed and returned to the chuck.
Figure 12. Finished dead center.
3.Place the live center in your tailstock.
4.Attach a lathe dog to the bar stock from Step 1 and mount it between the centers (as shown in Figure 13).
Figure 13. Bar stock mounted on centers.
5.Turn approximately 0.010" off the diameter.
6.Mount a dial indicator so that the plunger is on the tailstock barrel (Figure 14).
Looking down from above.
Figure 14. Adjusting for headstock end taper.
7.Measure the stock with a micrometer. If the stock is wider at the tailstock end, the tailstock needs to be moved toward the cutter the amount of the taper (Figure 14).
G4003G Gunsmith's Lathe |