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Lathe alignment

thread281-51076

Lathe alignment

Lathe alignment

(OP)
Firstly, I am not a machinist; this is a new business activity for me.  Now, I recently purchased a used 13" South Bend lathe in what appears to be good condition and have got a lot of books on using it. I have indicators to check alignment but I am not sure how to change the alignment.  The tail stock is not the problem, except it seems a few thousandths low (maybe 0.010").  The spindle head I am not sure how to measure and if it is not aligned how to change it.  How do I check alignment of my chucks, as well and what do I do if not aligned.
   I have play in my cross threads and have tightened the gibs which seem to reduced play, but not tighten up play going CW to CCW?  
   Can someone refer me to a good book that tells me how to do this properly? or some good reference or article. Or should I hire a professional???
   Thanks
   

RE: Lathe alignment

You can shim up your tail stock by placing a .010" shim between the base and the upper portion of your tail stock to reduce some of the wear you have indicated that exists.  Don't mess with the headstock alignment.  The headstock should be aligned properly when it left the factory years ago, unless someone in the past has mess with it.  You may have worn spindle journals, which on a 13" SBL they can be replaced.  Go buy yourself a copy of "THE HOME SHOP MACHINISTS" magazine and look for a add on a book called "Machine Tool Recondition".  This book will show you how to check how much wear you have, its alignment, and how to fix it.  Don't tighten your gibs too tight on your slides, you will squeeze out your lubrication by doing so.  This is a trial and error to get them just right.

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