Shopsmith Forums

Yes, that’s exactly what I did. I purchased mine new in 1984 and the tail stock was the one screw variety.

Update: When I checked my lathe center point alignment on my single tilt 520 using the drill chuck & a brad point bit I found the horizontal alignment was close, but off by 1/16" when the taper alignment was set to zero. The large set screw on the tie bar was flush (not doing anything). Rai...

Using a drill chuck and a long brad point drill bit should work for alignment. Just make sure to compensate for bit point wobble(if any). Yes, thanks, I figured that out since I posted. My live center point extension & universal tool rest are both waiting shipment but I think I’ll still keep th...

Not during use, just to check alignment. I’ve started into lathe work more seriously since installing my lift assist and realized I can’t check alignment without removing the lift assist bracket. That is, until I get a second live center extension.

JPG wrote: ↑Sun Jun 29, 2025 5:10 pm IMHO get a second spacer regardless.

Done!

Thanks for this - I thought that the tool rest base might run into the lift assist bracket. I have a single tilt 520 and need about the same lift assist bracket offset to hookup the lift cylinder. I have a single live center extension as well but the lathe center points are about 5.25” apart with th...

I just ordered a universal tool rest and will be using it on my 520 equipped with a lift assist. Will the tool rest base bump into the lift assist bracket on the right increasing the minimum distance between the lathe center points? If so, by how much? I have an extension for my live center but wond...

Was this a DIY PowerPro upgrade? If so, you might want to check to make sure the wiring inside the headstock is not being pinched by the washer on the quill handle shaft.

Mine wasn’t too hard to get apart. I clamped the taper in a metal vise with some rubber jaw inserts and was able to twist off the head by hand. Wouldn’t have guessed it was designed to come apart without the helpful hints here.

Didn’t think to try unscrewing the taper. Thanks!