4GSR, Thank you, I think the tailstock ways are in very good condition. Need to quantitatively assess. Good idea ,for sure, to use them if I can.
Hermetic, Thank You,
Looking at the photo of the vee-way at the tailstock end "veeway_tailend", do you guys think those horizontal lines are micro-scoring from the final vee-way
planing process. I cannot imagine how the could be that uniform and come from something else.
As I let this all "soak in", I will start by following:
Based on your treatise, the idea of first trying to come up with a better way to "bed" the lathe seems like the first step. The lathe is sitting on a plywood platform because I
am going to re-locate it in the not too distant future. The platform is not "rock solid". Thinking of making some steel clamps and attaching the platform edges to the concrete
floor. Even though I level the lathe, I am noticing quite a bit of movement from level over time. Likely the wood is shrinking , too dynamic, so forth.
My shop is well insulated and according to the digital hygrometer stays in the 65-70 percent moisture range.
I do have a machinist precision level. After bedding the lathe, re-level the lathe. Assess bedding quality over time.
Next, mic'ing the ways which will give some good idea concerning variances from point to point. Tabulate the information.
I can then report back to this thread and formulate an plan of attack. The plan may be to "do nothing" if improvements are realized.
Thank You both, very good stuff, encouraging for sure. John