Cross slide backlash
- Thread starter GoldCrown
- Start date
If you are simply trying to tighten up the cross slide to reduce variation, I would first recommend:
1. Adjust the thumb screw at the back of the cross slide until there is is a slight drag as the gib engages the rear dovetail.
1. Adjust the thumb screw at the back of the cross slide until there is is a slight drag as the gib engages the rear dovetail.
2. On the right side, adjust the center gib screw until there is a slight drag as the cross slide is moved in and out.
If this tightened up the cross slide, you're done.
If this tightened up the cross slide, you're done.
The Taig lathes will always have some backlash. I mostly just live with it. I make sure I adjust in the same direction when I'm sneaking up on a final size or bore.
If your dial is really loose, remove the cross slide and move to the end of the "in" range to gain access to the split brass nut. You can very carefully pinch the split ever so slightly tighter. Do a very little amount and then test it. Don't overdo it.
It's not horrible for what I use the lathe for .... I'll try to post a video.
Always bothered me also. My first lathe, the basic repair, had more play than the profesional version I have now. If you backed it out after making a pass, then brought it back and turned it back in to make another pass of say a .001 or 2, you really never knew where you were.
Thats why I addapted dial guages to my new large bore lathe. You can turn it in and out to your hearts content and know exactly where you are at.
Full disclosure, I did notice that I had a slight interference on the dial case depending on slide position so I will be spacing out the dial indicator about a quarter inch to solve that.
Thats why I addapted dial guages to my new large bore lathe. You can turn it in and out to your hearts content and know exactly where you are at.
Full disclosure, I did notice that I had a slight interference on the dial case depending on slide position so I will be spacing out the dial indicator about a quarter inch to solve that.
Nice dial set-up. Have the gauges, just need to fabricate the holders. Thanks for the concept. May I inquire as to whose QCTP you have in the pic? Spacer below for height? Any guidance greatly appreciated.
Ken
If you want to actually reduce the amount of back lash on the cross-slide you can squeeze the brass lead-screw split nut. But be aware that there has to be some backlash or you will not be able to move the cross-slide at all. Anywhere from 5 to 10 thousandths of backlash or more is not unusual. If you are doing an operation where you want to lock the cross-slide position the center screw along the right side of the cross-slide is the locking screw... just tighten it down.
Coos Cues
Coos Cues
This is the right answer. The longer you use your lathe the more you will get used to allowing for the backlash in the cross slide without an indicator but reducing it won't really accomplish much as it will never get to zero.