Aligning Cutting Tool with Spindle Centerline
For most operations, the cutting tool tip should be aligned with the spindle centerline, as illustrated below.
Cutting | Spindle |
Tool | Center |
| Line |
Figure 43. Cutting tool aligned with spindle
centerline (viewed from tailstock).
There are a number of ways to check and align the cutting tool to the spindle centerline. If nec- essary, you can raise the cutting tool by placing steel shims underneath it. The shims should be as long and as wide as the cutting tool to properly support it.
Below are two common methods:
•Move the tailstock center over the cross slide and use a fine ruler to measure the distance from the surface of the cross slide to the tip of the center. Adjust the cutting tool height so it is the same distance above the cross slide as the tailstock center.
•Align the tip of the cutting tool with a tailstock center, as instructed in the following pro- cedure. For this to work, the tailstock must be aligned to the spindle centerline (refer to
Aligning Tailstock To Spindle Centerline in this manual for detailed instructions).
Tools Needed | Qty |
Hex Wrench 6mm. | ............................................. 1 |
Steel Shims | As Needed |
Cutting Tool | 1 |
Tailstock Center | 1 |
To align cutting tool with tailstock center:
1.Mount cutting tool in tool post, then secure post so tool faces tailstock.
2.Install a center in tailstock, and position the center tip near cutting tool tip.
3.Lock tailstock and quill in place.
4.Adjust height of cutting tool so tool tip is aligned vertically with center tip, as illustrated below.
(Top View) | ||
| Tailstock | |
Cutting | Center | |
| ||
Tool |
| |
Cutting | Tailstock | |
Tool | ||
Center | ||
| ||
(Side View) |
Figure 44. Cutting tool aligned to the tailstock
center.
Model G0765 (Mfd. Since 12/13) |