Checklists for setup

Hi all

For a few weeks I’ve been working on my “metalwork corner” project in my shed. I got hold of an old Zyto lathe and a Dore Westbury mk 1 from eBay, and refurbed them, refurbed an eBay stand for the lathe and welded up a stand for the mill, added switches and wiring etc etc. I’m at the point now that they are basically working, although I need to make a missing part for the fine feed on the mill, and some vise jaws.

Now I need to set the machines up. I have some experience of doing this on the lathe - aligning tailstock, checking runout, etc but none really on the mill. I watched a few YouTube videos which were helpful.

Are there any checklists that explain the procedures and tolerances expected for these level of machines? E.g.

“1. Check spindle runout with dial gauge, expected tolerance 0.0005

2.”’ etc.

That would make life easier and reduce guesswork.

Can’t wait to get to actually use my new toys for projects!

Edited By JasonB on 23/09/2021 07:03:18

Time to cut a little metal and see if the real results match the theory. I would go for aluminium first with a tiny bit of lubrication, it is easier to manage.

I would turn the mill 90 degrees anticlockwise to give it more space.

Edited By old mart on 23/09/2021 17:02:22

Have you heard of 'tramming'?

Probably something on Harold's site that helps too.

Hi

Yes, I have heard of tramming.

It was more about the lathe in the short term… to install it on its “new” stand, I had to take the spindle out to put a new V-belt in, and obviously move it and bolt it down in a new location. I’ve never done that before. So I’d guess it needs a careful re-aligning (of everything).

1. Check slideways “flat” with engineers level (yes)
2. Check runout at spindle. (Imperceptible after adjustment)
3. Install Chuck, check runout (less than 0.0005&rdquo
4. Re-Align tailstock with alignment bar
5. Wind carriage laterally and check stays perpendicular to slideway with dial indicator
6. Etc. Etc.

I will take a look at that website.

thanks

Hi Steve, you've missed out the turning test to check for parallel which after all is what a lathe is designed for but you are getting there.

Tony

Ah yes of course.

+1 for resiting the mill, if possible, to leave more room around it.

Having a mill against a wall, can sometimes be restrictive. How do I know?

Otherwise looks and sounds good.

Go for it, and Enjoy!

Oh, and find some worklights for both the mill and the lathe, so that you see what is happening "at the coalface" 

Howard

Edited By Howard Lewis on 24/09/2021 08:20:10