Southbend SB1049 - Manual (Page 42)

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For Machines Mfg. Since 5/11 13" Heavy 13 ® Gearhead Lathe O P E R A T I O N
Aligning Tailstock to Spindle
Centerline
This is an essential adjustment that should be
verified or performed each time the tailstock
is used to turn concentric workpieces between
centers or immediately after offsetting the
tailstock when turning a taper. If the tailstock is
not aligned with the spindle centerline when it is
supposed to be, turning results will be inaccurate
along the length of the workpiece.
Items Needed Qty
Hex Wrench 6mm .................................................1
Wrench 17mm .......................................................1
Round Stock 2" x 6" ...............................................2
Precision Level ......................................................1
To align the tailstock to the spindle centerline:
1. Use the precision level to make sure the
bedway is level from side-to-side and from
front-to-back.
— If the bedway is not level, correct
this condition before continuing with
this procedure (refer to Leveling &
Mounting on Page 23).
2. Center drill both ends of one piece of round
stock, then set it aside for use in Step 5.
3. Use the other piece of round stock to make
a dead center, and turn it to a 60° point, as
illustrated in Figure 44.
Note: As long as this dead center remains in the
chuck, the point of the center will remain
true to the spindle centerline. The point will
have to be refinished whenever the center is
removed and then returned to the chuck.
4. Install a center in the tailstock.
5. Attach a lathe dog to the test stock from
Step 2, then mount it between the centers
(see Figure 45 for an example).
Figure 45. Example photo of stock mounted between
the centers.
6. Turn 0.010" off the stock diameter.
7. Mount a test or dial indicator so that the
plunger is on the tailstock quill.
Figure 44. Turning a dead center.