4
Installation
Consideration
Recommendation
Unpacking
Your lathe is shipped fully assembled. Robust lathes are heavy. Get help. Use care when
removing the lathe from the pallet. Use a 2x4 under the ways to lift one end of the lathe at a
time off the pallet. See “Delivery and Unpacking” in the “Info” section of our website.
Lathe
Location
The best location is on a level concrete floor close to a power source in an area with good
lighting. Provide clearance on all sides of the lathe. Other machines in your shop should not
interfere with the operation of the lathe.
Lighting
Your shop and the work area around the lathe should have adequate lighting. A movable
spotlight may be helpful. A light stand‐off mount is included on top of the headstock for easy
light mounting.
Bolting to
Floor
If you do not plan to move your lathe, you might consider bolting it to the floor. First make
sure it is level and settled per other instructions in this manual and then use any good quality
anchor. If you are bolting to concrete, make sure there are no expansion joints or cracks
between the legs. If bolting to a wooden floor, it is best to get over the joists. Settle the lathe
both before and after bolting.
Ventilation
Your shop should be adequately ventilated. The amount of ventilation needed varies based
on the size of the shop and the amount of work done. The use of dust collectors and filters
will minimize risks to your health. Some woods are toxic or will cause allergic reactions.
Electrical
The American Beauty is wired for 220V. An isolated
220VAC, 20 amp circuit is required. Wiring and outlets
should adhere to local electrical codes. Avoid using
extension cords.
If you are in doubt about the power connection, seek
advice from a qualified electrician.
Required 220 Volt
NEMA 6‐20 Receptacle
Lathe Height
Most turners like to adjust the height of the lathe legs so the centerline of the lathe spindle is
at the elbow height of the turner. Adjust up or down from there to where it is comfortable
for you. See instructions for this elsewhere in the manual.
Routine Maintenance
Interval
Maintenance
After each use
Clean the work area and lathe. Clear dust from the inside the headstock, between the
lathe bed rails, and under the banjo and tailstock. Clean up any finish or glue from ways.
Some solvents and glues will affect the painted surfaces. Cover up the paint if you
don’t want it affected by solvent and glues.
Monthly
Remove the banjo and clean and lightly lubricate the cam shaft and cam shaft follower.
Lubricate the bed ways with paste wax. Clean and lubricate with one or two drops of
light‐weight oil the outside of the quill and the tailstock cam shaft. Loosen the belt and
clean its contact side and the grooves in the pulleys with an old tooth brush. Recheck belt
tension. Remove tool rest clamp from banjo and clean and lubricate bushings and holes.
6 Months
Clean and grease tailstock quill threads‐‐ screw the quill all the way out, grease the nut in
the quill and crank the quill back in; wipe off excess. Any general purpose grease is fine.
Yearly
Vacuum out the box under the bed that the inverter lives in.
Never
The spindle and motor bearings are permanently lubricated and need no maintenance.
