Bm.stanford
Plastic
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2017
I'm new to machining and quickly learning work piece setup can take longer than the actual machining operation. My terminology may sound novice but it's all I know so far. I've made a couple small things but I've hit a wall on this...
I'm making a mandrel which will only be used for a babbitt pour on an old jointer. I picked up some 2 1/2" cold rolled steel at a scrap yard really cheap. Later realized it's not the greatest thing to machine - but I already have it and the price was right. I'm having trouble getting it lined up perfectly on the tail stock mainly because it's not perfectly round and smooth. I chucked it in the 3 jaw and set the opposite end in the steady rest while adjusting it by indicating the length of the shaft at the 12 and 3 o'clock positions until it appeared to be spot on. When I went to drill in the end to setup for the live center I noticed a slight wobble in the bit. I did proceed to drill and setup the live center. With an indicator on the live center I'm getting .003 wobble.
The shaft is 34" long and I expect this to create a taper, right? What's a better method to use to find the center for setting up the tailstock and is any amount of wobble acceptable?
Thanks.
Brian in NC
I'm making a mandrel which will only be used for a babbitt pour on an old jointer. I picked up some 2 1/2" cold rolled steel at a scrap yard really cheap. Later realized it's not the greatest thing to machine - but I already have it and the price was right. I'm having trouble getting it lined up perfectly on the tail stock mainly because it's not perfectly round and smooth. I chucked it in the 3 jaw and set the opposite end in the steady rest while adjusting it by indicating the length of the shaft at the 12 and 3 o'clock positions until it appeared to be spot on. When I went to drill in the end to setup for the live center I noticed a slight wobble in the bit. I did proceed to drill and setup the live center. With an indicator on the live center I'm getting .003 wobble.
The shaft is 34" long and I expect this to create a taper, right? What's a better method to use to find the center for setting up the tailstock and is any amount of wobble acceptable?
Thanks.
Brian in NC