New lathe Problem...

[Len Shreck]

Hello again I am having a new lathe problem. I was having a mandrel that was not running true, bent rod right?, well I have tried 2 diff new rods in it and it still runs the same way. I triple checked that there is nothing in the headstock. I even checked the tail stock. I took the mandrel out and put a dead center in the headstock and my new 60 degree live center I just got from Johnnycnc in the tail stock, I moved the tail stock up to where I could check to see if the points are lined up point to point and they are not. I took the tail stock adjuster, that screws the tail out, all the way out and made sure it was all clean and checked for problems I didnt see any. I put a pen blank on the mandrel and put it in the lathe and ran the tail right up to it and very slowly screwed the tail out so it went into the end of the mandrel and it seems like it pushes the tail stock to one side when I screw it in tight enough to get the live center to spin. I turned the lathe on and left it run for about 5 - 10 min and then checked both ends for heat build up and the new live center was pretty hot. So any suggestions beside getting a new lathe. Its a Jet 1014 older one Blue in color. Oh and when I checked point to point the tail was left of the headstock, I didn't try it but it looked like I could have run it out that the angled sides would have lined up right at the points. Thanks again for any and all help that can be given. Len

 

[Rifleman1776]

I think one would have to be there to try to determine if the lathe is at fault.
Keep in mind, the MT is not always drilled precisely on new mandrels. The rod might be OK but if not drilled properly that will be a problem.
But, you stated there is a problem without the mandrel installed.
Do you have a dead center? If you do, install in the headstock, turn on and watch the point. Does it run true or wobble?
Tailstocks can often be set to be centered with the head when tightening. This varies with the model of the lathe.
Wish I could help. Good luck. Let us know outcome.

 

[Lenny]

Len,
Are there bolts that attach the headstock to the lathe ways?
I know on my Jet mini there are, and while I haven't had to adjust them on mine I believe that is where you should attempt to make your adjustments. (Maybe someone else can confirm this). I would bring the tailstock up close and advance it just slightly so that you know the live center is fully seated, and then lock it down. Then loosen up the bolts enough to allow a little movement in the headstock. See if you can't get them a little closer this way.
Good luck!