Thread: Lathe upgrade at last.

Originally Posted by Sturdee

That would align point to point, which may be fine for some operations, but still not show if the head stock and tail stock are level for fine drilling using the lathe. eg. pen blanks.

An alignment bar will show up that discrepancy and is a lot quicker to use.

Peter.

True

I have a long spur drive. Sticks out a good 5" more than standard

I do this

Check both spur drives, short & long, spin true while lathe is running
With quill wound in check point alignment against both drives
Extend quill full length and back off half a turn then check against both drives.

If consistent and points meet (which mine is after tuning) then I believe it level and fine for drilling.


Dave

The Turning Cowboy

Picked up the new lathe today and despite almost 40 degrees (probably hotter in the workshop) managed to get it together and running with the help of a turner mate. The only issue we had was putting the legs on back to front so the skirt was on the back. Given that all else failed we decided to read the instructions and all went smoothly from then on. Haven't made any shavings yet as it's still a zillion degrees out there but fired it up just to be sure it works. Aligned ok using the tail stock aligning screws but it was only about half a smidgin' out to start with. I've heard people whinging about the slow ramp rate of the DVT XP but it doesn't appear to be an issue with the 2024, at least as near as I can tell. I noticed that the ramp rate can be adjusted in software anyway. Jeez, it's so quiet and smooth too. I'm not a real experienced turner but I gotta tell ya I'm pretty impressed thus far. Now I just gotta find some time in this silly season to get out and turn something.

She looks a beauty. You should be right tomorrow as it is going to be cooler. If you can't wait, you can zip out latter tonight. It has already cooled down quite a bit here.
Who's going to have a great Christmas?

That looks nice

I want


Dave

The Turning Cowboy

Pretty... clean

Have fun getting it dirty!

Ooh, never thought about getting it dirty, bit of a bummer. Been out tonight setting up the dust extraction - just about ready to spin it up.....

Yeh, got it seriously dirty today. I didn't make anything but a load of shavings to see how it went. I took some seriously big cuts with my 5/8" bowl gouge and it didn't even begin to feel it - would have stalled the MC at the same speed. Mmmm, I love it.