Myford ML8 tailstock misalignment

[davidatperces]

Hi. I have a Myford ML8 which I am enjoying greatly, however I have a problem with the tailstock. When I do up the clamp the tailstock shifts off centre by at least 1mm (which is 2mm on diameter). I have cleaned the tailstock casting and the clamping mechanism and inspected it for bumps etc but all seems well. As there is no adjustment on the tailstock or the headstock how can I get them to the correct alignment? (Note: it it pulling back and up when I tighten the clamp.)

I did wonder if the bed was distorted or distorted when I tighten the bed hold-down bolts but it seems ok.

Thanks

 

[Spindle]

Hi

Is this misalignment affecting your turning or is it just an annoyance?

A 1mm misalignment will have no effect when turning between centres, in fact it will only become evident if drilling or supporting chuck / faceplate work from the tail stock.

I wouldn't worry about it unless it's affecting what you want to produce - it can be shimmed out but probably is not really necessary.

Regards Mick

 

[wizard]

Back edge of the tailstock worn due to sliding up and down on the bed, if it bothers you shim up the back edge

 

[davidatperces]

Thank you so much for the speedy replies, wow.


Spindle,

in fact it will only become evident if drilling or supporting chuck / faceplate work from the tail stock.

Unfortunately this is exactly what I am doing. I am also boring some holes with a 22mm forstner bit for a candle ferrule to sit in and the off-set is making for a very sloppy fit.

Wizard, I will try shimming it at the back and see where I get.

Thanks again.

 

[Spindle]

Hi

Feeler gauges are a good source of shim steel :wink:

Regards Mick

 

[davidatperces]

Thanks Mick, I will give it a go.

Trying to clean the main bearings at the moment, the last owner had them packed full of grease.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Sorry to ask the obvious - but are you sure it is the tailstock that's out, and not just the forstner or the chuck you've mounted it in?

 

[davidatperces]

Good question! I did check it though with a dead centre a running centre and a different drill bit.
As I do up the clamp I can see the tailstock move the same direction and same amount every time.
Degreasing the main bearings going slowly.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

The lever of the clamp isn't bearing on one side of the slot it runs in, is it? I would think that could pull the tailstock towards you very slightly (a very big iirc - I might be talking through my jacksie, but I seem to remember mine not being central)

 

[davidatperces]

I don't think as it's throwing it back and up but I will double check.

Thanks.

 

[dickm]

As an alternative to wear on the further end of the tailstock slide, could it be something (even a ding on the end of the casting) which is raising the nearer end? Just a thought; ML8s were generally of brick outhouse build quality, so even given its likely age and usage, would be surprised if it was wear.

 

[HappyPixie]

I inherited a Myford ML8 and I've got the same issue. I'm usually trying to drill into a piece that's held in a chuck. I tend to move the tail stock into a position close to the work piece while the lathe is running and pull the tailstock toward me while I tighten the position lock all the while watching the drill centre's position close to the spinning wood. This usually gets me locked at the right position. I'm interested in the other comments. Hoping for more, though.
Good luck
Steve