Spindle Position

[ddickey]

Does it matter if I keep it up or lower and lock in place?

 

[JimDawson]

If I understand your question, I would have to say the the further you stick the spindle out, the more unstable it will be. It's normally best to keep the spindle as far retracted as possible and locked when cutting.

 

[Paul in OKC]

Yep, what Jim said. Especially the smaller the machine. A Bridgeport will have less issues than smaller machines, but still a good habit to keep it short.