South bend SB1049, Manual

Page: 53 / 136

For Machines Mfg. Since 5/11 13" Heavy 13
®
Gearhead Lathe
-47-
O P E R A T I O N
Aligning Cutting Tool with Spindle
Centerline
For most operations, the cutting tool tip should
be aligned with the spindle centerline, as
illustrated in Figure 60.
Figure 60. Cutting tool aligned with spindle centerline
(viewed from tailstock).
Cutting
Tool
Spindle
Center
Line
There are a number of ways to check and align
the cutting tool to the spindle centerline. If
necessary, you can raise the cutting tool by
placing steel shims underneath it. The shims
should be as long and as wide as the cutting tool
to properly support it.
Below are two common methods:
• Align the tip of the cutting tool with a center
installed in the tailstock, as instructed on
the next page. For this to work, the tailstock
must be aligned to the spindle centerline
(refer to Aligning Tailstock To Spindle
Centerline on Page 40 for detailed
instructions).
• Make a facing cut on a piece of round bar
stock. If the tool is above or below the
spindle centerline, a nub will be left in the
center of the workpiece. Adjust the height of
the tool, then repeat the facing cut to check
the adjustment. Repeat as necessary until
the center of the workpiece face is smooth.
Tools Needed Qty
Tool Post T-Wrench ...............................................1
Steel Shims ............................................ As Needed
Cutting Tool ...........................................................1
Fine Ruler ..............................................................1
Tailstock Center ....................................................1
To align the cutting tool with the tailstock
center:
1. Mount the cutting tool in the tool post, then
secure the post so the tool faces the tailstock.
2. Install a center in the tailstock, and position
the center tip near the cutting tool tip.
3. Lock the tailstock and quill in place.
4. Adjust the height of the cutting tool so
that the tool tip is aligned vertically and
horizontally with the center tip, as shown in
Figure 61.
Cutting
Tool
Tailstock
Center
(Top View)
Cutting
Tool
Tailstock
Center
(Side View)
Figure 61. Cutting tool tip aligned with tailstock
center.