Fibonacci
Member
I have an Excelsior (Rockler) 10x18 lathe looks almost exactly like the Turncrafter Commander or the mid-grade one from Harbor Freight. They run $250 on the showroom.
Either fortunately or unfortunately, I found the source of my eccentricity on the lathe today. I have been really working on my technique and got it down to just a bit by TBC, but I borrowed a dial indicator and discovered that the headstock on my lathe is about 30 thousands out. I get the same number with each of the three tapers that I have (measured at the exit from the headstock).
My previous measurements that made me rule out that source of error were taken on the outside of the shaft, which does turn true. Basically, the taper is not straight. I guess I will go back to Rockler and see if I can get a new drive shaft. I don't know what their warranty period is; I have had it for just over 3 months. My guess is 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months. Hopefully it is over 3. Unfortunately, the nearest store is almost 4 hours away.
I also identified about 5 thousands of wobble on the tailstock. I already got the tailstock replaced once. The first one was milled so it sat at an angle to the ways. This one allows the shaft to wobble. Maybe I can kludge the two together as I would be surprised if they would replace it again.
Does anyone know of an inexpensive lathe with decent QC? I am contemplating the notion of the 10x14 Jet, but that runs $500 and is smaller than what I have. The tolerances on this one are not terrible. If I wasn't making pens, I would likely never notice it. Unfortunately, pens are the greatest majority of what I make on it.
Either fortunately or unfortunately, I found the source of my eccentricity on the lathe today. I have been really working on my technique and got it down to just a bit by TBC, but I borrowed a dial indicator and discovered that the headstock on my lathe is about 30 thousands out. I get the same number with each of the three tapers that I have (measured at the exit from the headstock).
My previous measurements that made me rule out that source of error were taken on the outside of the shaft, which does turn true. Basically, the taper is not straight. I guess I will go back to Rockler and see if I can get a new drive shaft. I don't know what their warranty period is; I have had it for just over 3 months. My guess is 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months. Hopefully it is over 3. Unfortunately, the nearest store is almost 4 hours away.
I also identified about 5 thousands of wobble on the tailstock. I already got the tailstock replaced once. The first one was milled so it sat at an angle to the ways. This one allows the shaft to wobble. Maybe I can kludge the two together as I would be surprised if they would replace it again.
Does anyone know of an inexpensive lathe with decent QC? I am contemplating the notion of the 10x14 Jet, but that runs $500 and is smaller than what I have. The tolerances on this one are not terrible. If I wasn't making pens, I would likely never notice it. Unfortunately, pens are the greatest majority of what I make on it.