Southbend SB1053 owner manual Gib Adjustment, Front saddle gib adjustment screw

For Machines Mfg. Since 3/11 S E R V I C E 16-Speed Gearhead Lathe

Gib Adjustment

The goal of adjusting the gib screws is to remove sloppiness or "play" from the ways without over- adjusting them to the point where they become stiff and difficult to move.

In general, loose gibs cause poor finishes and tool chatter; however, over-tightened gibs cause premature wear and make it difficult to turn the handwheels.

Important: Before adjusting the gibs, loosen the locks for the device so that the gibs can freely slide during adjustment, then lubricate the ways.

The gibs are tapered and held in position by a screw at each end. To adjust the gib, turn one screw 1⁄4 turn clockwise and the other screw 1⁄4 turn counterclockwise, so both screws move in the same direction and the same amount. Test the feel of the sliding component by turning the handwheel, and adjust the gib screws as necessary to make it tighter or looser.

The gib adjustment process usually requires some trial-and-error. Repeat the adjustment process as necessary until you find the best balance between loose and stiff movement. Most machinists find that the ideal gib adjustment is one where a small amount of drag or resistance is present yet the handwheels are still easy to move.

Figures 124–128show the location of the adjustment screws for each gib on this machine.

Compound Rest

Gib Adjustment Screw

(1 of 2)

Cross Slide

Gib Adjustment Screw

(1 of 2)

Figure 124. Compound and cross slide gib adjustment

screws.

Gib Adjustment

Screw (1 of 2)

Figure 125. One of two rear saddle gib adjustment

screws.

Gib Adjustment

Screw (1 of 2)

Figure 126. Front saddle gib adjustment screw.

-77-