randyrls
Member
There have been several threads recently about how to align a lathe. Last night, I had a thought ricochet around my head. (It didn't hit anything) :biggrin:
I am looking for constructive criticism and brain storming ideas about how to do this without requiring a lot of EXPENSIVE equipment.
High Points:
Put a mandrel in the head stock and another in the tail stock.
Get 12" length of 7mm tube sold by several pen suppliers.
IF the tube slides on the mandrels without binding and you can turn the head stock hand wheel, the lathe is aligned correctly.
The mandrels themselves must be checked for alignment in the head stock and the tube must be straight. Roll the tube on a know flat surface like a table saw table to make sure.
I am looking for constructive criticism and brain storming ideas about how to do this without requiring a lot of EXPENSIVE equipment.
High Points:
Put a mandrel in the head stock and another in the tail stock.
Get 12" length of 7mm tube sold by several pen suppliers.
IF the tube slides on the mandrels without binding and you can turn the head stock hand wheel, the lathe is aligned correctly.
The mandrels themselves must be checked for alignment in the head stock and the tube must be straight. Roll the tube on a know flat surface like a table saw table to make sure.