G4003G Gunsmith's Lathe
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Figure 12. Finished dead center.
The tailstock alignment was set at the factory with
the headstock. However, we recommend that you
take the time to ensure that the tailstock is aligned
to your own desired tolerances.
To align the tailstock:
1. Center drill a 6'' long piece of bar stock on
both ends. Set it aside for use in
Step 4.
2. Make a dead center by turning a shoulder
to make a shank. Flip the piece over in the
chuck and turn a 60° point (s
ee Figure 12).
As long as it remains in the chuck, the point
of your center will be accurate to the spindle
axis.
Note: Keep in mind that the point will have
to be refinished whenever it is removed and
returned to the chuck.
Figure 13. Bar stock mounted on centers.
3. Place the live center in your tailstock.
7. Measure the stock with a micrometer. If
the stock is wider at the tailstock end, the
tailstock needs to be moved toward the cutter
the amount of the taper (
Figure 14).
Figure 14. Adjusting for headstock end taper.
Looking down from above.
5. Turn approximately 0.010" off the diameter.
6. Mount a dial indicator so that the plunger is
on the tailstock barrel (
Figure 14).
Tailstock Setup
4. Attach a lathe dog to the bar stock from
Step 1 and mount it between the centers
(as
shown in
Figure 13).
