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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2021
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    Vancouver, BC
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    57
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    1

    Default Hercus 260 tailstock vertical alignment

    We recently purchased a Hercus 260 (model ATL) for our Makerspace. We put a precision bar between centres and measured the runout. We managed to align the tailstock horizontally to < .001" but discovered that the tailstock is sitting 0.009" above the spindle axis. If it was the other way we could shim it but I don't see an obvious way of bringing it down. Does anyone have any advice?

    IMG_7938.jpg

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2020
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    Willowbank QLD
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    517

    Default

    I am no expert and am just passing on a few things I have been told. Is the tailstock ram Parallel to the bed. This can be measured by winding the ram fully out and seeing if it is the same height from one end to the other. If it is parallel you can have the Morse taper ground of center by .009. I have been told that it should sit about a thou high to account for flex from downwards weight of the item between centres.

    If it is not parallel you will have to scrape one it to get it square.

    Steve

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    melbourne australia
    Posts
    3,228

    Default

    Attached is an accuracy test report for a Southbend lathe. As the Hercus is based on the Southbend, you can probably use the same limits. Tailstock to headstock centre vertical alignment is to be within 0.0015", so yours is a long way out. Do the lathe and tailstock have the same serial numbers? Looks like there's some serious damage to the compound dovetail and cross-slide casting. Is it possible the lathe has been dropped?
    Attached Files Attached Files
    Chris

  4. #4
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    Feb 2006
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    Perth
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    7,182

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by jack620 View Post
    Do the lathe and tailstock have the same serial numbers?
    Yep that's the first thing to check. If they're not the same you you might need to get the tailstock base ground?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Holbrook, NSW
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    73
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    490

    Default tailstock

    Quote Originally Posted by futnuh View Post
    We recently purchased a Hercus 260 (model ATL) for our Makerspace. We put a precision bar between centres and measured the runout. We managed to align the tailstock horizontally to < .001" but discovered that the tailstock is sitting 0.009" above the spindle axis. If it was the other way we could shim it but I don't see an obvious way of bringing it down. Does anyone have any advice?

    IMG_7938.jpg
    If you are sure you are correct and the tailstock is seated correctly, Split the tailstock and surface grind .009 of the top of the base on all four corners. According to the original drawings the base should sit flat on a grinder. This surface should be totally horizontal with the beds surface (it would be smart to test this before you grind). run a height gauge along an unused flat of the bed to test it's sitting parrallel to the bed surface and vee ways.
    Be very sure you are right before comitting to this method. Blue the base and make sure you have good contact on vee way and flat.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    melbourne australia
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    3,228

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    Another one post wonder. Is is just me, or are they becoming more frequent on this forum?
    Chris

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Mackay North Qld
    Posts
    6,446

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by jack620 View Post
    Another one post wonder. Is is just me, or are they becoming more frequent on this forum?
    Hi jack620,
    No Jack you are not alone!

    There are a few of us who notice the fact that there are increasing numbers of new members who join,seek what information, assistance and /or services that they desire from from us and are gone again.

    It is not a new problem because if you check back in the member list ( look under the Community Title pulldown) there are a lot of of people who joined and for one reason or another don't feel the need to post any further.

    The increase in the numbers could come from the fact that we are now seen internationally and many have extra time while in lockdown have found our site on the net.
    I notice many OS members and I am curious why they would join an obviously Aussie bunch to answer questions that would be far better put to similar sites running in North America where most of them post from.

    Also I notice the once internet etiquette is a thing of the past as integrity, good manners and just plain courtesy are encountered not as often as in the recent past.

    Call it serendipity or what, but there is recent post 2nd November by MichaelG in the General Discussion Off Topic entitles Doing work for others - this has been on my mind. That post touches on this subject.

    If you have pertinent thoughts on this subject and comments please go over to GENERAL DISCUSSION _ OFF TOPIC there and become part of that discussion - not this one,ok? Have your say, for sure ,but say it over there in General Discussion -Off topic.

    Thanks
    Grahame

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