I am confused

We are talking very small amounts. You might not even see the variation on a carpenters level. But on a machine level a 1/4 turn to the foot can move the bubble a good bit. We just leveled our 1236 at Nickmickenny. It's not hard just a little time. It does not need level front to back except for draining the coolant but side to side it needs leveled at multiple point on the bed.

Well it dont need it. But if your going that far might as well check it all
 
Thankyou Bamban

Bamban,

You are welcome to the link. The pamphlet can be downloaded. Steve Wells has a lot of good info on his South Bend site.

Here is a link to South Bends 1955 copy of "How to Run a Lathe". It is split into two parts. http://campkahler.com/files/How_to_Run_a_Lathe_SB_1of2.pdf
http://campkahler.com/files/How_to_Run_a_Lathe_SB_2of2.pdf

This is an excellent manual on running a manual lathe, and not just South Bend lathes.

I just read your signature line. Thank you for your service and God bless your father for his service also.

Vlad
 
sharp tool? non aggressive feed rate? too slow speed? all these and more can cause this push away problem. one thing I do is take a return cut by reversing the feed rod not touching the tool bit and watch the chips they should get bigger toward the free end. Then take another cut and see how the chips look. if you really need it to cut straight use the tailstock and center. adjust the tailstock as required to get it straight this will only be on size for this distance longer or shorter will need more adjustment. bill
 
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