CL300 carriage adjustment

[Anthony KnightsParticipant @anthonyknights16741]

The other day I noticed that the front of the carriage on my CL300 lathe had a bit of vertical movement. For those who don't know, the adjustment comprises a metal plate (front and back) which clamps under the lathe bed ways. Adjustment is via 3 clamping screws plus 2 jacking screws to set the amount of clearance. In my case the jacking screws were redundant as they had to be backed right out in order to clamp the other screws sufficiently to adjust out the vertical play. It is now OK but when it needs to be adjusted again, I think I have 3 options.

1 Remove the plates and machine them flat.

2 Clean up the other side of the plates and turn them over.

3 Make some new ones.

If I went for option 3, what would people advise I made them from. Mild steel, cast iron or some form of bronze?

[Anthony KnightsParticipant @anthonyknights16741]

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

I will start the ball rolling, and suggest 3a … Gauge Plate

By the end of the day you will probably have votes in favour of every other option.

MichaelG.

[Anthony KnightsParticipant @anthonyknights16741]

Posted by Ian B. on 16/11/2020 09:11:34:

Tip is to change socket cap screws for hex head screws. Its easier to make adjustments with a spanner than dropping the leadscrew to get an Allen key in.

That is a really good idea, obvious when you think about it. I did things the hard way and cut down the Allen keys to fit without removing the lead screw.

I did wonder whether anyone had come up with a design for taper gibs to replace the present arrangement. If not, I might have a look at that when my current project is finished.

[DiogenesIIParticipant @diogenesii]

+1 Gauge plate (Ground Flat Stock)..

..isn't the danger with brass that steel or iron particles get pressed into the softer surface and then start to wear the bed itself?

[Anthony KnightsParticipant @anthonyknights16741]

Hi there Ian. I do have the Dave Fenner book, which I bought when I got the lathe about 12 years ago. I haven't looked at it for ages but it's probably where the thoughts about the taper gibs originated. I will dig it out and have a look. Thanks for the information.

regards

Anthony

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