Original set-up/adjustment question

[JeffF]

I am finishing the set up of my new 7 X 14 lathe and have an adjustment issue I am wrestling with. It involves installing and adjusting the compound on the bed.

I loosen the two brackets on the bottom of the compound (with the 3 hex head screws on each) and slide the compound onto the bed. I can then snug up the the screws on the backside bracket without any problem, but when I snug the front bracket screws, the compound binds and won't move on the bed. If I loosen the screws on the front bracket, it then moves fine, so obviously I have some binding going on.

The gibs screws on top of the compound are fully backed off, so they aren't causing the problem. Am I doing something wrong here, or is this something that often happens? I can probably shim the front bracket with some spring steel and tighten down the screws and then adjust the compound with the gibs screws, but I would like to know that there isn't any other option first (or at least be assured that my idea is OK).

Thoughts?

Jeff

 

[Cogsy]

I have a 7x12 lathe, not sure if they use the same setup though. Also, as you mention tightening onto the bed, I assume you are talking about the carriage adjustment.

Mine has 3 hex screws on the bracket, with 2 smaller grub screws between them. The grub screws need to be screwed in to stop the 3 hex screws from being able to draw the bracket in too tightly. I had to keep testing and adjusting these many times to get the correct fit. Be aware, if it is the same setup, over tightening the 3 hex screws can snap the bracket.

I plan on modifying the whole carriage adjustment and replace it with tapered adjusters. There's a thread on here about it and it seems to be a common modification for the 7x12 lathe.

Hope I'm not way off base and this helps you out!

Cheers,

 

[JeffF]

Yes, it is the carriage adjustment. The directions warn you not to adjust those center screws as they are factory set, but it sure sounds like that's what you have to do. Thank you very much for your response! I think my shimming idea would have accomplished the same thing, but I might as well do it right!

Jeff

I have a 7x12 lathe, not sure if they use the same setup though. Also, as you mention tightening onto the bed, I assume you are talking about the carriage adjustment.

Mine has 3 hex screws on the bracket, with 2 smaller grub screws between them. The grub screws need to be screwed in to stop the 3 hex screws from being able to draw the bracket in too tightly. I had to keep testing and adjusting these many times to get the correct fit. Be aware, if it is the same setup, over tightening the 3 hex screws can snap the bracket.

I plan on modifying the whole carriage adjustment and replace it with tapered adjusters. There's a thread on here about it and it seems to be a common modification for the 7x12 lathe.

Hope I'm not way off base and this helps you out!

Cheers,

 

[Cogsy]

You're welcome Jeff. Here's a couple of links that have useful info on setting up one of these types of lathe. I followed the first one and had great success.

http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/reviews/C3_Articles.html

http://www.mini-lathe.com/Mini_lathe/Tuning/tuning.htm

Also, here's a link to the tapered adjuster mod I was talking about.

http://warhammer.mcc.virginia.edu/ty/7x10/vault/Lathes/7x10-7x12-Projects/TaperedSaddleGibs/

and the thread that also describes it, along with many other mods. (page 2 for the start of the tapered gibs)

http://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/f28/starting-mini-lathe-mods-8306/index2.html

I will get to this mod as soon as I get my mill back up and running, and I get some appropriate brass stock.

Good luck with your new lathe!