Boxford X10 taper

High all,

I have a Boxford x10 which I have had for a number of years, it’s a bit rough around the edges but generally okay. One problem it does have is it turns a taper, maybe 0.1mm over 100mm. I have tried various suggestions on forums regarding the tailstock which never seem to confirm. I’m now thinking it’s the headstock is out. Any help/suggestions how I can resolve would be very much appreciated.

im is Essex so anyone nearby is welcome to drop in.

cheers

David

You should first set the lathe to cut parallel without any tailstock support. Only then would you adjust the tailstock for parallel cutting.

Bed likely needs setting level (without twist).

Edited By not done it yet on 22/02/2021 11:00:51

Okay thanks I have some 32mm stock I’ll try that first. I think I have it fairly level but will take another look.

thanks

Is it possible that the bed is twisted because of the manner in which the lathe is bolted down?

Well worth checking before disturbing the Headstock

It is taken as read that all bearings and gib adjustments are correct so that Top Slide, Cross Slide and Saddle are not slopping about.

To check for twist and to correct it, look at Ian Bradley's "Amateurs Workshop" or his "Myford 7 Series Manual".

By machining an unsupported bar to a collar at each end, like a cotton reel with wide flanges, the diameters at each end will indicate where adjustment is needed.

This is sometimes called "Rollies Dad's Method".
It will be time well spent!

When the bed is free from twist, then use, or make, and alignment bar.

Unsupported it will tell if the Headstock IS out of line.

If it is not, leave well alone and start checking with the bar between centres, to adjust the Tailstock into alignment

Making adjustments in the wrong order could make matters worse rather than better

Howard

I think it highly unlikely that the head stock is out of true. Like all other Boxford lathes I believe it is located by prismatic ways. It could be that the head stock bearings are badly worn and the spindle is sagging so easy to check. My guess would be that either the bed is twisted or the tail stock out of alignment.

regards

I have a Boxford ME10. It came with screw adjusters built into the feet, a 1/2" Whit thread. In my experience you cannot hope for the lathe to turn parallel without using these.

Thanks for the replies gents and understood, the machine is in good shape, no noticeable wear with any of the bearings and slides etc. (the caveat to all of this is I am not an engineer, or have lots of time working with a lathe, unless you call watching Doubleboost youtube videos that it!)

The lathe is not bolted down but I have used the leveling feet and with an engineers level its pretty much there. I has sat there for the last 4-5 months so should be stable.

I will post results...

Cheers