Probably the adjustment on the taper bearings has backed off. Pull off some
covers and see if you can tighten the nut on the shaft a bit and see if it
reduces the play. The shaft MAY have turned in the bearings but it is
unlikely. make sure that you don't overtighten it as too much preload will
damage the bearings.

Tom
"Theodore Roosevelt" wrote in message
...
I have an Atlas metal lathe w/ 10" swing -- quick change gearing --
48" bed, etc. Timken bearings are installed.

PROBLEM: The chuck and shaft can be lifted some small fraction of an
inch (many hundreds of an inch..). Does anybody know if the bearings
can be tightened? Is this adjustable or fixable? Do the bearings and
or shaft need to be replaced?

TIA

Teddy