"Robin S." wrote in message
...
I hear this question every so often, at work and here.

I don't think I've ever seen a lathe incapable of producing accurate
results
(such as a lathe should be able to produce). I think they only time this
really comes up is when the left end of the ways are worn due to the
carriage staying near the chuck.

Other than that, I think it's a foolish question. My standard answer at
work
is something to the extent of, "it will make parts as accurately as you
are
capable of making them".

Regards,

Robin


"Ken Strauss" wrote in message
m...
Many small lathes quote impressive but incomplete accuracy numbers in
their specs. For example, the Prazi SD400 (see
http://www.emachinetool.com/new/cata...?ProductID=180)
claims a "spindle accuracy of 0.0002". What would be a reasonable
expectation of total accuracy? Say the variation in diameter along 12"
between centres?



This is one of those cases where hobbyists have an advantage over commercial
machinists. For 100 years, it's been traditional in home shops with limited
lathes to lap parts that require extremely accurate diameters. Commercial
machinists don't have the time for that kind of stuff. With lapping, you can
produce a consistent diameter of 0.0001 in. or better.

And, today, we have those nifty lapping films that make it so much easier.

Ed Huntress