Thread: QT8 Spindle Alignment Help

Could someone please tell me what the proper way to align the headstock on a QT8 is? Mostly, if there is a certain order in which I should be loosening/tightening bolts and the jack screw. Also, do you have a good source for replacement control batteries?
Thank you.

to align headstock:

cut a test piece with say 10 inches hanging out maybe less on a small machine like yours. check the taper.

set up an indicator on the the end of the part in a spot that you can get to all bolts.

loosen all bolts that hold the headstock down. use the push pull to move the end of the part in the direction that you need to. I usually move it 75% of the amount of taper for the first cut.

tighten a couple bolts and take another cut. On the second and how many ever cuts it takes i move it 1/2 the amount a taper.

Justin Terry
Terry Maintenance Service

Make a test cut but........
Wouldn't make sense to take a piece of round stock reasonably precision, put it in the spindle and check for runout.
Mounting an indicator on the cross slide and check the top of the "test bar" at the spindle face. Rotate the spindle and equalize the runout over zero, move to the end of the bar and find the high spot with the cross slide and rotate the spindle. The runout should be still centered over zero. If the runout is not centered over zero, the head stock needs to be leveled.
This can be done any number of times and your "test bar" is still in good shape (No smaller)
Then move the indicator to the front of the "test bar" (Where you would be normally be cutting and equalize the runour over zero. Then move to the far end of the bar and rotate the spindle and see where the indicator shows the runout to be. If it is centered over zero, the head is square, Centerline to the Z axis rails.
This check can be made a hundred times and the "test bar" will not change.
I guess this is the basic difference twix lathe guys and milling machine guys.
Use a known bar in the spindle and bring the head around to make it right.

Regards Walt...

never had a qt8 with a cocked head
to short and to rigid