Jet VS midi lathe

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toolcrazy

toolcrazy

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I was trying to figure out why I was getting a lot of runout with just about every tool I put into the MT. I decided to clean up all the tools and try again. So, I rolled up a piece of 100 grit sand paper and pushed it into the MT in the headstock, while the lathe is running. And a boat load of black powder came out. I am guessing the Jet never cleaned it after they assembled the lathe. Now I am finding that everything is running much truer than before. I still need to check the tail stock. But I thought I would let everyone know, in case they were have the same issue.
 
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I would be very careful to put such a coarse sand paper in the MT. You can easily screw it up. There are specially designed Morse Taper cleaners and they are made from a plastic, so no harm can be done to the MT.
 
Originally posted by Rudy Vey
<br />There are specially designed Morse Taper cleaners and they are made from a plastic, so no harm can be done to the MT.
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I have one I got a couple of years ago. It's called a Taper Mate. I got it from Packard Woodworks. A bit pricey but it works like a charm and it'll probably last me a lifetime.
 
Rudy makes an excellent point!! The plastic Morse taper cleaner would be the preferred choice for an inexpensive cleaning. If anyone is considering using sandpaper on their Morse taper, it would be prudent to use something like 600 grit sandpaper or some fine steelwool rather than a coarse grit sandpaper..

If the MT needs some serious work, the purchase of a MT reamer would be the proper way to go. You might luck out and find one for $25; but they are generally quite a bit more expensive......but a lot cheaper than a new splndle, if you screw it up using a coarse sandpaper.
 
Another possible option might be to go to a sporting goods store and pick up a bore-cleaning brush used for cleaning shotgun barrels. These brushes are usually made from copper or brass, so they wouldn't scratch the inside of your MT. You could use it with some solvent to remove built-up debris. Just a brain-fart - I haven't tried it yet.

Cheers.
 
Originally posted by toolcrazy
<br />Thanks, I was very careful. The paper was well used and I won't be doing it again.
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Sorry, but I can't agree that 100 grit paper, used or not is being "careful". The black you got was mostly from you sanding the inside of the spindle. Suggestions have already been offered. I use paper towel and WD-40 to clean mine.
 
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