Shopsmith Forums

fjimp wrote:Paul,

I had problems with my tail stock being out of alignment when my 520 was new from the factory. When I attended a traveling academy it was pointed out just as Dusty suggested that the "0" mark on the tail stock is not a true measurment of being in line. I had to remove that ring and reinsert it rotating it until it was inline with the head stock. Once completing that adjustment all lines up perfectly and turning is a pleasure. Jim

I am attend the lathe class this Friday I will how there machine is set up I have everything aligned now but was wondering about the markings.

I am also going to check for something racked but I don't think so because everything else is aligned.

paulmcohen wrote:Because it is a world class variable speed lathe and for the price hard to beat.

My real point if it is just an adjustment ring why label it when the values will never be correct?

Paul,

I agree with both points. I never really looked at the marks on the tailstock as a suggestion of perfection. Perhaps they are there to suggest a starting point for centering the tail stock.

As to the variable speed issue you are on tatget. I have two lathes. I have a smaller one for turning small projects and polishing. It is also variable speed. My wife likes that one better only because it is extreemly quiet. On the orher hand she frequently comments how much quieter my Shopsmith is than any other major tool I have ever owned. Just today I heard her describe the 520 as the most amazine shop tool I have ever owned. The Shopsmith is always my first tool of choice for most projects. If I am fortunate enough to have as large a shop as I desire after we move, I will likley purchase one or perhaps two more Mark V's. Jim

I have always treated them as being "relative markings".

That is to say, moving it two marks has twice the effect as moving it one mark.

This may not be what SS intends but that is how I have always treated it.

Hi again Paul! Checked out the alignment of my tailstock today - here's what I found.. With the height stops where they set alignment was perfect with the center rotated 1/16" ccw. I could play with the height stop collars and make the tail stock wobble left and right about the same distance - 1/16". Didn't try to re-set to Zero.

My concrete floor is wavy (the SS has to be raised to max caster lift to roll everywhere). Couldn't see that that floor unevenness caused any shift in the tail stock.

Don't think you have a problem, but also can't figure out why the change in location. If this were a machine lathe, with a tool bit fixed on the machine, I could see a problem, but hand tools can shift easily to correct any small off sets. It's just that your turning axis won't be exactly the same as your way tubes. As long as you are on the same axis there is no problem.

Did you try another tail center?

Good luck with your class!!!

charlese wrote:Did you try another tail center?

Good luck with your class!!!

Yes, a drill chuck as reccommended in the 510 manual and a Chinese made one I need to throw away, I got it off eBay before I realized what junk it was.