Weak tail stock during turning operations?

[wa2crk]

Hi;
OK let me try this again. My computer burped snd I lost my post.
Are you sure that the headstock is not slipping back on the way tubes?
Try to put a piece of tape on the way tubes to mark the position of the headstock the next time you set a up lathe operation. When the work loosens check the position of the headstock. Also use the same method to check quill feed movement when the work loosens. (A pencil mark might work better for this )
If these checks pass then check for cracks in the tailstock casting as well as the hinge casting. There also set screws in the pivot casting that hold the way tubes into the casting, make sure that these are tight.
Lastly the bench tubes are also held to there respective castings with a clamp under the castings. Make sure that these are tight and properly adjusted.
Bill

[dusty]

Hi;
OK let me try this again. My computer burped snd I lost my post.
Are you sure that the headstock is not slipping back on the way tubes?
Try to put a piece of tape on the way tubes to mark the position of the headstock the next time you set a up lathe operation. When the work loosens check the position of the headstock. Also use the same method to check quill feed movement when the work loosens. (A pencil mark might work better for this )
If these checks pass then check for cracks in the tailstock casting as well as the hinge casting. There also set screws in the pivot casting that hold the way tubes into the casting, make sure that these are tight.
Lastly the bench tubes are also held to there respective castings with a clamp under the castings. Make sure that these are tight and properly adjusted.
Bill

Thank you, Bill. These are all very good suggestions and should probably be incorporated into a periodic (maybe annual) check up of your Mark V.

Some of the implied problems could develop into serious safety issues if undetected.

Some self discipline is also in order. I, all too often, fail to secure the headstock or carriage locks. Except for some inconsistent dimensions on cut stock, I have had no problems that resulted in injury but the potential is certainly there.

[dusty]

If the 'lock' is installed properly this always happens. To make it 'proper' take them completely off the SS. Screw both screws all the way into the 'handle'(one is RH screw, the other is LH screw). Barely rotate the screws so they are in position to slide back onto the SS. Slide it back onto the ss 'grooves' and tighten. This will ensure the both screws protrude the same amount when adjusted.

I have been told this before; in fact, it was one of tips that Nick provided during a Sawdust Session. But having been told doesn't mean it is done, or done right.

Just for grins and giggles, I went to the shop this morning and checked my locks on the extension tables. :eek: Both sets of extensions were just a little loose.

Adjusting them as JPG has just suggested here cured that problem. They are now much more stable.

As a follow up, I installed the tailstock and locked it into place. It is NOT absolutely rock solid but I don't believe it is loose enough to cause problems during turning.

[wa2crk]

Hi Gang;
In response to Dusty's earlier post I learned at one of the traveling seminars a safety tip. It was referred to as the five point safety check.
There five things that MUST be checked before doing any sawing operation on the Mk V and they are as follows;
1. Headstock to way tube lock
2. Quill feed lock
3. Table height lock
4. Table tilt lock
5. Table carriage to way tube lock
Making these checks can save a lot of frustration as well as avoiding some dangerous pitfalls.
Bill

[dusty]

Hi Gang;
In response to Dusty's earlier post I learned at one of the traveling seminars a safety tip. It was referred to as the five point safety check.
There five things that MUST be checked before doing any sawing operation on the Mk V and they are as follows;
1. Headstock to way tube lock
2. Quill feed lock
3. Table height lock
4. Table tilt lock
5. Table carriage to way tube lock
Making these checks can save a lot of frustration as well as avoiding some dangerous pitfalls.
Bill

Yup! Keep preaching it for it is gospel. The problem is that some people just don't listen.:o

[rdubbs]

Hi Jason,
I've seen my tailstock flex, too. However, it's not been a problem for me other than an additional adjustment when I'm using my lathe duplicator. What turning are you doing where you find the flex a problem?