Play in tail stock?

[Carl Fisher]

The bottom of the tail stock section has a tenon cast into it that just rides between the rails of the bed. Should this have no play in it or is a small amount of play normal?

My Jet 1014 has enough play that creating a repeatable lock square to the head is very difficult.

Thanks.

 

[Chthulhu]

This is normal for a wood lathe, which doesn't need the degree of precision found in a metal lathe. Usually you just need to push the base of the tailstock hard against the back bed rail and hold it there while locking the clamp to ensure repeatability, though this is not always reliable.

There will probably be a small amount of play in the tailstock quill as well; extending the quill only as far as absolutely necessary (less is always better), and always clamping it will help with this.

If yours is inconsistent in spite of this, you may have some twist in the lathe bed. Take a look at how you have it mounted (Are all the screws tightened the same amount? Is the mounting surface flat, level, and solid?). It doesn't take much to throw the tailstock center off.