Tailstock Alignment
The tailstock offset of your lathe was aligned with the spindle center line at the factory. We recommend that you take the time to ensure that the tailstock is aligned to your own desired toler- ances, especially if you have changed the offset to cut shallow tapers.
To align the tailstock offset to the spindle cen- ter line:
1.Use a precision level to make sure the bedway is level from
2.Obtain two pieces of steel round stock 2" in diameter and 6" long.
3.Center drill both ends of one piece of round stock, then set it aside for use in Step 6.
4.Use the other piece of round stock to make a dead center by turning a shoulder to make a shank, then flip the piece over in the chuck and turn a 60° point, as shown in Figure 39.
Figure 39. Turning a dead center.
Note: As long as this dead center remains in the chuck, the point of the center will remain true to the spindle center line. The point will have to be refinished whenever the center is removed and then returned to the chuck.
5.Install a center in the tailstock.
6.Attach a lathe dog to the piece of stock from Step 3, then mount it between the centers, as shown in Figure 40.
Figure 40. Round stock mounted between the
centers.
7.Turn 0.010" off the diameter of the stock.
8.Mount a test or dial indicator so that the plunger is on the tailstock quill.
Note: If necessary in the following step, refer to Cutting Shallow Tapers with the Tailstock on Page 32 for adjusting the tailstock offset.
Model G0554Z (Mfg 01/09+) |
