turncrafter Pro Lathe

[Wolfcoast]

I have a Turncrafter Pro lathe currently (not the variable speed unfortunately) and I have difficulty with the tailstock.

When I move it up to whatever piece I'm doing, the tailstock can wiggle making it difficult to make sure it's in line when I clamp it down. Best way I can explain it is if you look down on the tailstock from above, you can twist it slightly.

With that, it's hard to make sure its perfectly in line with the headstock when I clamp it down.

Is there anyway to fix or minimize this issue? I was considering putting small shims on the slide underneath the tailstock but would have to be pretty precise on them to make sure it's straight with the shims on.

 

[marcruby]

Could it just be that you need to adjust the lockdown so that it will tighten more?

Marc

 

[Wolfcoast]

Once it's clamped down, it stays in place fine. It's just when I move it, it has a lot of play in it so becomes a pain making sure it's in the right spot when I do clamp it down.

 

[rjwolfe3]

On mine I found if I lock it with the rear of the tailstock all of the way towards the back of the lathe then it is dead on with the head stock. I found this out by bringing my tailstock all the way up and checking point to point. This is probably not the correct way but since I have not idea of how the correct way is, this works for me.

 

[Daniel]

I'm not sure about the turncrafter itself, But there should be some track, ridge or other method that the tail stock is pulled back into alignment when it is tightened. in order to move a tail stock it must be loosened. loosened means it will move and this includes all directions.

 

[rick_lindsey]

The Delta Midi I use at the club shop has the same problem. It's not alot of play, but I can lock it down in either position. I scooted it up to the headstock, and one of the two extremes was aligned properly, so when I remember I twist it and then lock it down. When using the pen mandrel, after spinning the mandrel to be sure it's not wobbling, I'll just try to center the livecenter of the tailstock on the mandrel before locking it down. Not the best option, but I'm not sure what other choice I have .

-Rick