Jet 1642 tailstock alignment

[GCS]

Since I started turning pens about a month ago, I have hade the classic problem of out of round pen barrels which is really noticable when twisting the pen to retract the tip. The discovered the headstock to tailstock alignment on my Jet 1642VS lathe was off more than 1/16" at the end of the mandrel and live center point. This problem was caused by installing the lathe to a non-level surface which apparently twisted the lathe bed enough to misalign the tailstock position. The lathe is cast iron and weighs about 400 lbs. Once I leveled the lathe bed with the adjustable feet, the alignment problem was fixed. I wanted to pass this on to everyone just in case someone else has this problem.

Glenn

 

[mickr]

thanks for the info..I found mine a tad off & doubt it was this problem, so I just put a piece of sandpaper under my tailstock and it lined right up...but a twist should be straightened, just like you did it

 

[dasimm]

Thanks - I will double check mine as well.