chasingthousands
Plastic
- Joined
- May 10, 2019
Hello,
I am attempting to setup my newly acquired, but older than I, Logan bench lathe 210. I used to own a little C3 mini lathe years ago and finally found something with a bit of power. I have been watching MANY YouTube videos and reading a lot but still having some difficulties setting up the bench lathe.
I have the wood table leveled with a carpenter level (the lathe did not come with the iron leg option sadly). I am using shims and a self calibrated machinist level on accurate 123 blocks. The headstock and tailstock almost perfect level front to back. I have not spent as much time chasing headstock to tailstock leveling but it is close (I understand this is not as critical). I have waited for the bubble to settle during readings though I have little control over the weather.
Every time I place my center drilled .5in diameter 11in long aluminum bar between centers (dead on headstock and live on tail) and make a cut I am off (currently .005 larger at tail). I have tried adjusting the tailstock but that never seems to close the gap just switch which side gets the error.
Given my attention to balancing the ways I do not expect any taper is due to twist. I have used dial test indicators, from the compound, on the headstock spindle and it runs true in 2 axis so I do not suspect it's alignment from this test. Testing the tailstock has been more complicated likely because I do not fully understand how to do so with the tools I possess. It is also possible the ways are worn due to use and age though the old timer I purchased it from seemed to be quite capable so it's not my first suspect.
In short, I am trying to get my first big boys lathe setup to run true before I start. I am hoping you all can help me figure out what I am missing.
Thank you.
I am attempting to setup my newly acquired, but older than I, Logan bench lathe 210. I used to own a little C3 mini lathe years ago and finally found something with a bit of power. I have been watching MANY YouTube videos and reading a lot but still having some difficulties setting up the bench lathe.
I have the wood table leveled with a carpenter level (the lathe did not come with the iron leg option sadly). I am using shims and a self calibrated machinist level on accurate 123 blocks. The headstock and tailstock almost perfect level front to back. I have not spent as much time chasing headstock to tailstock leveling but it is close (I understand this is not as critical). I have waited for the bubble to settle during readings though I have little control over the weather.
Every time I place my center drilled .5in diameter 11in long aluminum bar between centers (dead on headstock and live on tail) and make a cut I am off (currently .005 larger at tail). I have tried adjusting the tailstock but that never seems to close the gap just switch which side gets the error.
Given my attention to balancing the ways I do not expect any taper is due to twist. I have used dial test indicators, from the compound, on the headstock spindle and it runs true in 2 axis so I do not suspect it's alignment from this test. Testing the tailstock has been more complicated likely because I do not fully understand how to do so with the tools I possess. It is also possible the ways are worn due to use and age though the old timer I purchased it from seemed to be quite capable so it's not my first suspect.
In short, I am trying to get my first big boys lathe setup to run true before I start. I am hoping you all can help me figure out what I am missing.
Thank you.