On Sun, 7 Oct 2012 07:57:39 -0400, "ATP"
wrote:


"asdfasdf" wrote in message
...
On 10/6/2012 9:14 PM, Pete C. wrote:

asdfasdf wrote:

I have a 10" South Bend lathe (serial RKL) that I'm
having a problem with. I've used it to turn small
pieces until now. I was making a shaft about 5.25"
long and .75 diameter. I kept checking the diameter
and was satisfied at the tailstock end but found that
headstock end was about .008" larger. I am not
using the tailstock so alignment to the tailstock
is not an issue. I have to assume that the headstock
is not aligned with the bed. Does anyone know the
correct procedure to re-align the headstock with the
bed for the given lathe?

The shaft was probably flexing since you were not supporting it with the
tailstock.


No I checked that pretty well. I blued the part after the cut
and ran the cutter down the length. It scribed a light line down
the length and never put any pressure on the tool. I took very
light cuts and had a great finish with no chatter. I took maybe
a couple of thousandths off the last pass. I'm pretty sure it's
misaligned.

The shaft could still be moving a little or misaligned in the chuck. If you
want to check the alignment you can use a test bar or make one but the
readings would be meaningless unless it is supported and centered on the
tailstock, AFAIK.

http://www.neme-s.org/Rollie%27s_Dad%27s_Method.pdf

This is a very good way to check alignment or wear..or both

Gunner

--
Adde cruorem stultitiae, atque ignem gladio scruta
To your folly add bloodshed, and stir the fire with the sword (Horace)