Leveling a Lathe

[Brian HallParticipant @brianhall37323]

I got the bench installed today as level as possible using my builders level and will clean up the lathe before installing it on the bench. I have downloaded the user manual for this lathe and the following is quoted from it:

INSTALLATION

It is essential that the top of the bench or stand on which the machine is to be mounted should be perfectly flat and rigid.

When the machine is mounted on the bench, two parallels should be placed on the bed, one on each of the front and rear flats, with an accurate precision level across them. The machine should then be levelled up by inserting suitable packing pieces underneath the feet. This procedure should be carried out first at the headstock end of the bed, next at the tailstock end, and finally in the centre. The machine should then be bolted to the bench.

ALIGNMENT

If at any time it is found that the machine does not turn true, the first thing to check is the levelling, and during the first few months after installation it should be checked frequently.

Levelling of the machine lengthwise is not important, so long as the bed is not twisted through faulty clamping.

Ground test bars should be used for checking alignment.

First check the alignment of the headstock spindle with the saddle guideways, by using a test bar ground to fit accurately in the taper bore of the spindle.

Check on top and on side of test bar with dial gauge.

Alignment of the tailstock can be checked against a parallel bar held between centres, and readings taken in a similar manner.

I will do the best I can with what I've got when setting up the lathe.

Graham,

I think your problem with smileys is that you are putting quotes " next to a closing bracket ) whic produces this &quot. It might be an idea to leave a space between the quotes and bracket thus " ).

regards

Brian

[HopperParticipant @hopper]

Posted by Brian Hall on 24/02/2013 20:36:54:
…

Levelling of the machine lengthwise is not important, so long as the bed is not twisted through faulty clamping.

Ground test bars should be used for checking alignment.

…

regards

Brian

I think that is your answer there, if you do not have access to an engineer's level..

[Brian HallParticipant @brianhall37323]

I have the stand in place and have got it as level as I can using a builder's level. The lathe is what matters of course and that is on the bench at the moment.

regards

Brian

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