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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Caboolture, QLD, Aust
    Posts
    236

    Default I've got a wobbly 408...

    I picked up a Woodfast M408 (1996 model) the other week (not literally, bloody heavy thing) and I think it's got a problem.

    It's got a wobble.

    I put a chuck on and there is a discernable wobble. I tried all of my chucks and a big faceplate on the inboard spindle plus a large faceplate on the outboard spindle and they all show the same wobble so it's not the chucks. They are all seating nicely against the "lock nut" on the spindle (which according to the parts diagram is integral to the spindle?) so the wobble isn't coming from a poor or uneven mounting. I can even detect the wobble on said nut.

    Now, the bearings run smooth with no discernable play so I suspect they're innocent but I'm willing to call guilty until proven innocent.

    In the event I'm being truly unjust and it's the spindle, how do I source a replacement? Woodfast these days probably don't even know this unit ever existed let alone carry spares so where do I go? Do I have to get one made? Who does that? How much might it cost?

    It's the M30 threaded version and all of my chucks are direct threaded, there's no adaptors involved.

    Any advice would be appreciated.

    Cheers
    Redbeard

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    se Melbourne
    Age
    62
    Posts
    2,567

    Default

    I am not a wood turner but only make the following suggestions.
    With a dial indicator check to confirm there is runout in the spindle. Is there a loose bearing that could be tightened.
    It the part is removable, perhaps ask in the metalwork forum for assistance.

    I know it is too late now, but did it have a wobble before you picked it up?

    Hope you are able to sort the lathe out.

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    Flinders Shellharbour
    Posts
    5,689

    Default

    In the very worst the shaft could be bent. I would inspect the the register area and the screw threads on the shaft and give them a thorough clean. I wouldnt be too worried about the nut wobble as it will a production made nut and they aren't generally that accurate.
    Replacement, well I guess 1996 model you might be lucky, but I fear it will have to be made and if you do you may have to leave one of your chucks so they can fit it properly. Good luck.
    Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working. — Pablo Picasso


  5. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2014
    Location
    Tucson, Arizona, USA
    Posts
    251

    Default

    If you have a drill chuck that goes into your tail stock, get a fairly stiff wire chucked into it and bring it up to the spindle. Bend the wire until it's touching the MT. Hand rotate the spindle a couple turns while closely observing the wire. If it moves only on one area, you might have a bent spindle. Now, if you have a dial indicator, that's even better. .......... Jerry (in Tucson)USA

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Adelaide Hills, South Australia
    Posts
    4,311

    Default

    Have you put a Morse taper in both the head and tailstock and brought them together for the kiss test. Is the headstock MT revolving around the tailstock MT?

    I know you have tested all of your ckucks and faceplates and getting the same with all of them, but the Morse tapers will quickly tell you if you have a bent shaft.

    Have you checked to see if the nut is fully snugged up on the spindle thread. If the inboard nut is 'wobbly' your faceplates and chucks will be wobbly as it is the face of the nut that is the aligning surface for them. A dial indicator is the only reliable way of testing to see if the face of the nut is true to the shaft. Mount the magnet for the dial indicator on the ram of the tailstock to check for that. If you don't have a dial indicator, Jerry's method (plus feeler gauges) is next best option.

    Next, have the shaft components been assembled correctly? Check this site for reference...

    Restoring an early 80’s Woodfast Lathe – Lance's Workbench

    All the best
    Stay sharp and stay safe!

    Neil



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