Aligning tail / headstocks.

[Bodrighy]

I've got the Coronet set up and it seems to be working fine. One problem I can't see the answer to however is getting the tail & headstocks aligned. They were OK before dismantling for bringing home so it can be done but I am blowed if I can see how. Any suggestions ?

Pete

 

[Turn It In]

Good morning Pete,
This is my first time actually on the forum but I would be happy to suggest an alignment method as I have experience in engineering that may help.
First check that your bed bars are level with a spirit level at both ends and if they are not this must be corrected first.
Ian

 

[TEP]

Mornin' Pete, you've really done it now.

Joking aside. I'm no expert on Record/Coronet, but I believe this has got to do with the bar mounts at each end.

Don't know how the sequence goes but each mounting block has 2 raised pieces on the casting where the bars fit. The other has 1 raised piece in the centre.

The fit is 2 raised to 1 raised each end, ie; if the lower block has the 2 raised bits, fit a locking top with a single raised bit.

This is assuming your bench is level. I believe Cornwall is a bit lumpy in places. :twisted:

As I said I'm not sure about this, but have seen it happen before. Give it a try.

 

[Turn It In]

Hi Pete,
Further to my first reply which i cut short to see if I was succeeding in getting through, I believe the coronet has twin bed bars like the record and if so assuming you are mounting the lathe on a solid bench after bolting the head down take an accurate measurement from the front face of the front bar to the edge of the bed and then ensure the same dimension at the tail stock end.
The castings for the tail stock end mounting and the headstock should then fix the alignment.
Please come back to me and let me know whether that can be checked out OK.
Regards,
Ian

 

[Bodrighy]

Thank both of you. I am going to have a go with both lots of suggestions and will get back with the results. It's a few mm out verttically and horizontally so is no good for anything that involves the tailstock at present. I have alarge 5' plank of 2" thick Iroko that I'll bolt down to raise it as it's a bit lower than I like anyway and that should ensure a good solid, flat bed to work on. The bench is strong enough but as the top is chip board it could well be out a bit and over a 4' length that could be a problem

Pete

 

[mikec]

Hi Pete,

I am in the process of shortening the stand on my CL4-48 to a 36 " length so I can fit it in better with the bars overhanging. During this process I noticed that in my haste to get the lathe up and running I had fitted the headstock with the bed mount reversed but never noticed. I have been having alignment problem too

It might pay to check. One side of the top head and tailstock mounts fits on the bars like an inverted V. The other side runs flat. The inverted Vs should be on the same bar. I am talking about a CL4 but I think the Coronet may use the same style of casting.

Hope this helps

Mike C

 

[John. B]

I have a Tyme Avon with twin square bar, mounted on a bench.
When I set it up, I used winding sticks to ensure there was no twist in the bars, then mounted the tail stock, put a centre in the head and tail stock.
Moved the tail stock along the bed until the points of the centres just touch each other then you know they are dead in line.
As it has a movable headstock I use this method every time to line up the head & tail stocks.

John. B

 

[CHJ]

to the forum Turn It In.

 

[Turn It In]

Hi Chas,
Thank you for your welcome I have been following the forum for a few months and on several occasions thought that I could have made a valid contribution.
I've been woodturning for almost 3 years and active in model engineering for perhaps 18 years so I have an extensive machine shop at home that is now getting polluted with more wood dust than swarf.
So this is the first toe dipped in the water and i look forward to further exchanges in due course.
Regards,
Ian

 

[Bodrighy]

Thanks for the advic e guys. I have got it aligned using shims. It was already level in both directions when I checked but still not aligned. I had to jack the taill end up to bring it in alignment but all's well that ends well.
Thanks again

Pete

 

[MikeG.]

polluted with more wood dust than swarf

:shock: :shock: :shock:

Welcome Ian!

I am sure that you really meant to say that your workshop, previously polluted by swarf, is now glorying in the scents of various wonderful European hardwoods!

Mike

PS Don't tell anyone I have posted in the turning section...........they'll start pressurising me into spending some money

 

[Paul.J]

Hello Ian and welcome

Glad you've got it sorted Pete

 

[wizer]

Mike I sense you are being drawn over to the Round Side mate. Feel free to pop round and have a play with my lathe any time you like. I'm well up for a bit of shove'a'slope

 

[Jenx]

Come on, Miguel G.... you know you want to :wink:

Hi Ian... great to see you here !
Lots af fabulous work to see , and contribute to ...
and some learners like myself, too. -
its all good.. get stuck in !

 

[Woodmagnet]

Welcome to the forum Ian,i'm sure you'll fit right in. :wink:
Go on Mike, you know you want to join in, don't you. :lol:

 

[Vulthoom]

Mike I sense you are being drawn over to the Round Side .....

Haha! Excellent. I can almost see it happening........

 

[Jenx]

Vulthoom.. thats excellent again !

Yoda say " size ( of lathe ) not matter, Skywalker..
wood to turn, your destiny it is.
Take Gouge-Sabre & do peeling cut like jedi master, make oak bone for chewbacca and turn minature R2D2 shaped peppermill "



:wink:

 

[PowerTool]

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Vulthoom - don't know what you do for a day job,but it would be a shame if you were wasting your obvious talent with graphics :wink:
(Obviously,it's not completely wasted,as it made me laugh.. :lol: )

Andrew

 

[MikeG.]

Nice try!

 

[wizer]

I just spat my smoothie over the screen. That's excellent Vulthoom! I want it printed as a poster!