Minor Tail Stock alignment problem solved

[leehljp]

I was having a small amount of tail stock mis-alignment. I could barely see that the TS live center was minutely' above the headstock dead center. I was starting to have small amounts of OOR on one end - the TS end.

I bought a Packard #2MT alignment tool but it wasn't what was needed. I also noticed something else - the problem and solution:

I use a CA glue catching cover over the bed well below the centers. However I do occasionally get CA on the bed when I do longer blanks. A miniscule amount on the bed/ways can cause alignment problems.

For those with clean lathes, no problems. But for those who think that dirt and grime far away from the blank are not a problem - prepare for possible alignment problems. For me, I took a chisel and scraped the ways clean. I had not noticed it as it was clean and smooth looking - not to mention that it was covered by the tail stock most of the time.

"WAYS": I think this is how the surface of lathe rails is referred. Age is getting to me!

Moral: Keep a CA/glue/finish "catcher" under the pen and over the ways/bed. Keep the ways/bed clean!

 

[Fred]

Lee, I try to at least once a week actually sand my Jet 1642 ways with not less than a 600 grade paper just to keep things nice, slick, and shiny. I then clean the ways with WD40 on a rag to prevent any rusting of the ways.

Any"ways", so far I have never had any type of alignment problem. (Did I say "ways" enough for ya ... and YES that is the term for the lathe part.

BTW, sanding one's tablesaw top and waxing it afterwards is also VERY helpful when cutting lumber. I use mineral spirits to clean the metal and then a coat of Carnuba paste wax to protect the metal and it does a great job as lasts a good while.