Backlash Adjustment
Backlash is the amount of play found in a lead screw. It can be found by turning the cross slide handwheel in one direction, and then turning the handwheel the other direction. When the cross slide begins to move, the backlash has been taken up.
Note: Avoid the temptation to overtighten the cross slide backlash screw. Overtightening will cause excessive wear to the sliding block and lead screw.
Backlash is adjusted by tightening or loosening the screw shown in Figure 54.
Cross Slide
Backlash
Adjustment
Cap Screw
Figure 54. Cross slide backlash adjustment cap
screw.
This screw draws a
Note: Reducing backlash to less than 0.001" is impractical and reduces the life of the cross slide.
When adjusting gibs (Figures 55 and 56), keep in mind that the goal is to remove sloppiness in the ways without causing the slides or half nut to bind. Loose gibs will cause a poor finish on the workpiece and wear the slide.
For the four saddle gibs, (Figure 55) loosen the jam nuts and turn the three set screws until slight tension felt and the gib plates are slightly
Cross Slide Gib Adjustment Point |
Saddle Gib Adjustment Points |
Figure 55. Gib adjustment points.
Figure 56.
G0492 12" X 36" Combo Lathe/Mill