Headstock bearings

[cannonmakerken]

The headstock bearings on my 70 year old South Bend 13 inch lathe have a .0025 play in them. But the manual says it should be only +.001. I've really tried to get it less than .0025. But I can't seem to get it any tighter will that play be ok?

 

[Ulma Doctor]

Have you removed any shims from under the bearing cap?
Usually, there will be some shims separating the bearing cap from the headstock. Removal of the shims, reduces the bearing clearance

 

[benmychree]

If there are no shims left, you can carefully drawfile the cap until you get the desired clearance.

 

[SLK001]

I've really tried to get it less than .0025. But I can't seem to get it any tighter will that play be ok?

What did you do to "try"? Did you remove any shims?

Running with 0.0025" of clearance may give you a little more runout than spec, but if you're not making high tolerance parts for NASA, then you will be okay.

 

[cannonmakerken]

Oh ok thanks for the input guys yeah it's just a hobby lathe I don't make anything with high precision.

 

[matthewsx]

Except for cannons of course….