NuTool MC550W saddle adjustment

[john ferguson 2Participant @johnferguson2]

Hi,

Wonder if anyone can help, my MC550 has an increasing tendency to chatter. After reading all the various pieces on the web I have

1) checked the chuck for runout, backlash etc, and it is good. No more than 2 thou eccentric

2) Dismantled the cross slide and compound slide, cleaned, greased and tightened the gibs – This has reduced the tendency say 50%

3) Taken as much backlash as was possible out of the cross slide, still got about 0.3 mm as the nut isn't adjustable

4) Put new inserts in the carbide shanks

All of the above has got it usable again but if I push or pull the cross slide while cutting the chatter wants to come back.

The only part I haven't adjusted is the saddle … I can lock the front of the saddle – lathe is fitted with a lock bolt. And if I do that then I can pull up the rear of the saddle by maybe 0.1 to 0.2 mm.

I had a quick look at the saddle and instead of there being a push pull arrangement there are just 4 allen head bolts that I tightened up a little. That reduced the play.

My question is does anyone know how to correctly adjust the saddle on this lathe … I'm an amateur when it comes to this.

Thanks

John

[john ferguson 2Participant @johnferguson2]

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