"MikeMac" wrote: (clip) 3: If I line up the point of the headstock, and the
point on the tailstock, the don't line up perfectly.. (less than 1 mm
diff). Does this really matter?
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The standard answer is that it does matter. It does not always matter all
that much. For example, if you are turning a long spindle between centers,
a little error in tailstock alignment produces a slight angle to the work
axis. On a metal lathe, this would produce a taper. On a wood lathe, since
the tools are hand-held, the turner simply turns to the correct diameter for
the full length using eyes and calipers. The spur drive acts as a little
U-joint, and you probably would never notice the difference'

On the other hand, suppose you are holding a bowl blank on a faceplate, or
in a chuck, and you bring up the tailstock for extra support (and safety.)
It the tailstock is off center, something will have to give. In a chuck,
the wood will probably start slipping. On a faceplate, the screws could
work loose. Or the tailstock will flex. None of this is good.

Since you are turning pens, you must be using one of those mandrels that
plugs into the Morse taper of the spindle. Running with the tailstock end 1
mm off will probably cause the mandrel to bow. This could result in a
little whipping action, which will make bad pens. Then again, if you don't
use too much tailstock pressure, you may be able to get it to run smoothly,
and you're on your way.

Oh, yes--just because you find a 1 mm misalignment at close contact spindle
to tailstock, it could be different at other places on the ways. I would
try it and see what happens.

Good luck, and keep asking questions.