Weak tail stock during turning operations?

jcmbs · Post by **jcmbs** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 5:16 pm

Ok I like My shopsmith but I have issues with the tailstock, as it seems to continuously flex during turning operations requiring constant readjustment, work piece jump. Is there an updated stronger tailstock piece?

Jason

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 5:35 pm

jcmbs wrote:Ok I like My shopsmith but I have issues with the tailstock, as it seems to continuously flex during turning operations requiring constant readjustment, work piece jump. Is there an updated stronger tailstock piece?

Jason

Jason!
To answer your question; no, there is no updated tailstock piece. Which model Shopsmith are you using? Is it a Mark V or an older unit? I believe that there was at least one other thread regarding this. As a novice turner, I can knot offer any advice, but it seems that most turners have knot had this problem, at least that is what I remember from the other thread...hopefully someone will "ring in" here and help you.

reible · Post by **reible** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 6:59 pm

Hi and welcome to the forum!

Here is a post with a bit of a different twist but still about the tail stock... so have a read and see if anything there helps. If not post again and maybe we can figure out your problem and better yet a solution.

https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=2686

Ed

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 7:15 pm

reible wrote:Hi and welcome to the forum!

Here is a post with a bit of a different twist but still about the tail stock... so have a read and see if anything there helps. If not post again and maybe we can figure out your problem and better yet a solution.

https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=2686

Ed

For some reason I CANNOT GET THIS LINK TO WORK/???????

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 7:16 pm

It is working fine for me.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 7:28 pm

JPG40504 wrote:For some reason I CANNOT GET THIS LINK TO WORK/???????

Does for me also NOW! I had just 'updated' firefox with more than one shopsmith forum 'session' in the background. Canceling the one in the background(inactive) 'fixed' the problem. Really had fun with the 'embedded links' thread since NONE of those worked either!!!!:D

judaspre1982 · Post by **judaspre1982** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 9:43 pm

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JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sun Mar 29, 2009 1:31 am

judaspre1982 wrote:Make sure that the tailstock lock , when tightened, is adjusted so the cam screws apply equal pressure on the tubes of the tailstock. That seems to make a big difference in how much flex there is. ------Dave

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.

wa2crk · Post by **wa2crk** » Sun Mar 29, 2009 9:32 am

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 · Post by **dusty** » Sun Mar 29, 2009 9:51 am

[quote="wa2crk"]Hi]

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.