Setting up a new lathe

[OZWELDER]

Hi fellas,
I have ordered a new 300 x 923( 12" x 36") bench top lathe which will come with a stand. I assume that the stand will need to be bolted to the floor and the lathe to the stand. The whole unit weighs in around 420 kgs ( 924LBS)

I also am aware that one needs to check that the bed ways are horizontal in both planes in order to avoid twisting of the bed ways.

Are the any other factors that I should take into account and take action on. Your advice is very welcome.

Thanks

Ozwelder

[moe1942]

OZ, there are some very good sites for this info. Here is just one to get you started. Also Barry is conversant on this subject.

http://www.homemetalshopclub.org/hints/hints.html

[MXtras]

Also dig around on www.cnczone.com

Lots of info and lots of experience on that site - and not just on CNC machines.

Scott

[moe1942]

Here is another good tutorial.


http://www.metalworking.com/DropBox/...-Chapter06.pdf

[precisionworks]

Both ends of the machine must be exactly in the same plane or the machine will produce a taper. The easiest way to assure that both ends are coplanar is to use a 12" precision level, one that reads to .0005" per foot.



These are always for sale on eBay for $75, click here for one example.

Bolting the lathe to the floor is optional, mine rests on vibration-absorbing machinery mounts, see photos below. Bolt the machine solidly to the stand, level both ends of the bed so they're within half a thou, you should be good to go.

If you have a really critical job where any taper will cause disaster, check both ends for level (and adjust) before starting to cut. A superb book on the subject is South Bends "How to Run a Lathe", always available for under $10, click here.

[Cavalry]

I second the southbend book. Another great read is the atlas lathe manual. Although its atlas specific it still has an amazing amount of plainly explained "basics" I learned a tremendous amount about tool sharpening from both books

[OZWELDER]

Thanks guys for the replies,

I have a friend with a precision machinists level so he is coming around to help set it up.

I already have a copy of the South bend bend book,so I will have to re read it.

Ozwelder