Headstock Accuracy

[Ropata]

Hello,

I've just finished restoring my Colchester Lathe and have it sitting dead level. I've cut a test bar using 40 mm/ 1.57 inches Aluminium over 200 mm/8 inches. After a small adjustment of the headstock using two locking screws I could get to easily, I now have a run-out of 0.07mm/0.0027 over that 8". Does anyone think I should keep trying? what is your guys run-out?

 

[12bolts]

3 thou over 8 inches is pretty good but could be better. But what sort of wear is there, (or could there be) on the bed in the areas of the test cuts? Also to the point how long between restoring, levelling and doing your test cut. Too long and things may have moved/settled. Too soon and things may move/settle afterwards.
Dont forget that "level" is not neccessarily the thing to aim for. "Squareness" of the head end to the tail end is what makes for perfection, (or close to it)

Cheers Phil