ALIGN CENTERS BY ADJUSTING TAILSTOCK

EXPERIMENT NO 4

ALIGNMENT OF LATHE CENTERS

In order to machine a parallel diameter on a work piece mounted between centers, the
tailstock center must be in line with the headstock center. If the centers are out of alignment, a
taper (one end larger than the other) will be cut. The tail stock body can be adjusted on the base
plate either towards or away from the cutting tool. This allows the tail stock center to be aligned
with the headstock center.

OBJECTIVE

To Align Centers by Adjusting Tailstock.

APPARATUS
 Lathe machine
 Spanner set
 L key set
 Dead Centers

Figure no 4.1
PROCEDURE
1. Mount an indicator assembly in the tool post.
2. With the indicator plunger set on center, test the trueness of the revolving lathe center.
3. Check the registration lines. They are not in line.
4. The top line is offset to the left.
5. If the registration lines do not match the tailstock must be adjusted.
6. Loosen the tailstock clamp nut.
7. Loosen one adjusting screw and tighten the opposite one until the tailstock lines are in
line.
8. Tighten the adjusting screw that was loosened and then tighten the tailstock clamp nut.

Figure no 4.2
ALIGN THE CENTERS BY TRIAL CUT
METHOD
 EXPERIMENT NO 5

OBJECTIVE
To Align the Centers by Trial Cut Method.

APPARATUS
 Lathe machine
 Turning tool bit
 Micrometer.
 L key

Figure no 5.1

Procedure
1. Hold a turning tool bit short in the tool holder.
2. Extend the tool holder approximately the width of a thumb past the tool post.
3. Move the tool post to the left side of the compound rest.
4. Set the tool bit point even with the lathe center point and tighten the tool post screw
securely.
5. Stop the feed and note the reading on the Cross feed micrometer collar.
6. Turn the Cross feed handle counterclockwise to move the tool bit away from the work.
7. Use the carriage hand wheel to bring the tool bit close to the headstock end.
8. Turn the Cross feed handle until the micrometer collar is at the same setting as the first
cut.
9. Set the lathe to the correct for the diameter and type of material.
10. Take a light cleanup cut for about .25 in. (6 mm) along the length of the work.
11. Use a micrometer and measure the diameter of the trial cut at the tailstock end.
12. Record this micrometer reading.
13. Take a trial cut of about in. (13 mm) long at the headstock end.
14. Stop the lathe and then turn the Cross feed handle counterclockwise to withdraw the
cutting tool from the work.
15. Mount a dial indicator assembly in the tool post.
16. Adjust the clamp (T) until the indicator point is on center and at right angles to the
work.
17. Measure the trial cut at the headstock end and compare it with the other reading.
18. If both diameters not the same, adjust the tailstock and repeat Steps 13to 17.

Figure no 5.2
ALIGN CENTERS BY TEST BAR METHOD
 EXPERIMENT NO 6

OBJECTIVE
To Align Centers by Test Bar Method.

THEORY
Two more accurate means of aligning centers are to use a test bar and to machine and
measure. A test bar is simply a shaft that has true centers (is not off center) and has no taper.
Some test bars are made with two diameters for convenience. No dog is necessary for checking
alignment with a test bar, as the bar is not rotated. A dial indicator is mounted, preferably in
the tool post, so that it will travel with the carriage (Figure I-224). Its contact point should be
on the center of the test bar.

Apparatus:
 Lathe machine
 Test Bar
 Lathe Center
 Dial Gauge.

Figure no 6.1
PROCEDURE
1. Clean the lathe center points and the center holes in the test bar.
2. Mount the test bar and adjust the tension. So that there is no end play between centers.
3. Move the carriage so that the indicator point is near the tailstock end.
4. Turn the Cross feed handle until the indicator registers about one-quarter turn.
5. Set the indicator bezel to zero.
6. Move the carriage until the indicator plunger bears against the diameter at the headstock
end.
7. Note the indicator reading.
8. If both readings are the same, the centers are in line.
9. If the two grading are different, adjust the tailstock (Steps 4 and 8) until both readings
are the same.

Figure no 6.2