tool-man
Member
I have a 1 yr old Delta 46-460. The tailstock has some play and I'm wondering if it is excessive.
By play, I mean I am able to push it slightly in the ways (when not locked) from side to side. Some amount of looseness is of course necessary or it would not slide. But how much is too much. Measuring with a dial indicator I am able to push the tailstock about 8 thousands from side to side, perpendicular to the bed of the lathe.
Everything was cleaned before measurements. I do not think this play has gotten worse; I believe it was always like this. There is no adjustment for this - it is the machined base of the tailstock riding (too loose) against the lathe bed ways.
Alignment with the headstock is excellent when pushed to one side, pushed to the other side it is of course off.
Is 8 thou. too much. Should I try to put in some shims?
By play, I mean I am able to push it slightly in the ways (when not locked) from side to side. Some amount of looseness is of course necessary or it would not slide. But how much is too much. Measuring with a dial indicator I am able to push the tailstock about 8 thousands from side to side, perpendicular to the bed of the lathe.
Everything was cleaned before measurements. I do not think this play has gotten worse; I believe it was always like this. There is no adjustment for this - it is the machined base of the tailstock riding (too loose) against the lathe bed ways.
Alignment with the headstock is excellent when pushed to one side, pushed to the other side it is of course off.
Is 8 thou. too much. Should I try to put in some shims?