Leveling a benchtop lathe 10x30

P. Waller said:
Why do you believe that it is necessary to "level" such a small machine? Please explain this.
Click to expand...

It isn't "Level" so much as Parallel. Standing in front of the lathe, you want the base of the headstock to be parallel the base of the tailstock. (on top of the ways.) The easiest way to do this is with a sensitive level.
Without this alignment, the machine will not cut accurately. I guess that's why its necessary.
 
T Bredehoft said:
It isn't "Level" so much as Parallel. Standing in front of the lathe, you want the base of the headstock to be parallel the base of the tailstock. (on top of the ways.) The easiest way to do this is with a sensitive level.
Without this alignment, the machine will not cut accurately. I guess that's why its necessary.
Click to expand...

With a machine that length the casting will be so rigid that you would have to bolt it to a rigid surface and use the screws to force it to twist, if indeed it were a long turn machine with a small swing, say 10" X 100" this would be different.
A 1:3 DL ratio machine would not require such ministrations unless it is very lightly made.

However tilting in the direction of the coolant drains is a plus, never forget the coolant flow.
 
I take it a Starret 98-4 4" precision machinists' level is going to be better than a Accusize 6" precision level s908-c684 ?
Also looking at a anytime tools premium dial caliper 0-6"/0.001" precision double shock proof, solid hardened stainless.
Plus a magnetic base SAE dial test indicator 1" travel, accuracy 0.001" per

I am about to buy them but figured I should ask those with more experience. My budget is limited, this set of items is about $160. in my cart

Just trying to avoid the unusable garbage.

Thanks



 
When I was working as a Tool and Die Maker, I used test indicators, they're much smaller and far more versatile than the 1 in travel indicters. I never had a 1", working, usually .125, maybe .187 travel.
 
So with dial indicators or test indicators, I take it the need is in a very small reading vs over an inch?
Is a smaller limited range better for measuring ?
Basically I have no measuring tools at all, so I am looking for some that will be versatile for working around a 10x30 lathe.
Intended projects not being much larger than 2"diameter x 6"length, I think/guess/estimate..lol
 
If you're going to do the 2 collar test, you need a micrometer the right size for the test bar you make. A 0-1" should be fine, there's no need for a 6" test bar. A caliper won't do, you need a micrometer. Even the Digital Harbor Freight one is good enough, but a used big name mic will turn up if you look long enough.

Yes, I know, HF.. but it's been tested against known standards by a few people with good results. Not everything there is crap, just 95% or so. :)

1" dial indicators are useful for lots of things. Test indicators are better for spindles and such, but the normal units are good for general indicating of work. The magnetic setups can also be used as travel indicators, like an analog DRO. There are reasons most of us have both styles. For general work alignment in the lathe, I usually use a 1" travel DI. It's usually easier to position for dialing in a 4-jaw or similar. And my test indicator only has a range of about 8 thous. My first setup is usually out more than that.

This reminds me, I really need to get something to calibrate my normal mics.
 
I was referring to my intended project size as 6x2"

Someone stated that a 1" dial indicator was too much travel.

I listed the micrometer that I intend to buy if its not crap, it has a length of 6" and is hand held

I am confused about dial caliper vs dial indicator and what would be most useful to use on a magnetic base

Then the machinist level look to be an ok investment has V groove base. Not sure if v groove is good or if I need flat or if its ever going to be needed once my lathe is set up.

So I was looking at a starrett 4" or 6" precision level wondering if it might be a better choice

Heres some of the items I am wondering about:







1

















$119.32


1







$41.60


1







$69.98


1




 
Look for decent used tools on Ebay and Craigslist. Micrometers, unless they look bad and do not turn smooth are built like tanks and may only need to be calibrated to be useable. I bought a used 0-4" set of Starrett when I was 16 and am still using that set. Same guy at the same time had a Starrett #196 indicator. That Ive had repaired once and replaced the dial once but if it blew up tomorrow Id have it fixed again and feel like it didn't owe me a penny.

A quick check of Ebay shows several Starrett 231 0-1" micrometers in the $20 price range, and at least one 231 1-2" for $50, Model 196 indicator sets are in the $70 range. So for the same investment you would have quality tools. Dial calipers are "get close tools" so I would not hesitate to go with an import on them.
 
I am open to buying used, the problem is I don't have a clue as to what I need.

Like dial caliper vs test indicator, or do I want 0-1" measuring or .0125? I have never used a dial measuring device period.
I have a micrometer that slides 6" or so with a digital read out. I use on RC heli set ups, but no dials with plungers or screw style calipers.

I am looking at a set by fowler now:
Fowler 52-229-780 Indicator, Mag Base, Dial Caliper & Micrometer Combo Set

Any advice on this much needed. Thanks

The bench is more level than the catch pan , the base of the lathe does not appear to be level or machined flat .
I like the video on leveling the lathe !!

Maybe benchtop lathes are harder as I have no feet or screw turn legs to adjust. I am stuck shoving feelers under till its more level.
The feelers under it like a deck of cards and it does not feel stable this way.
I must be missing something here, gotta be easier way.



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