The tool post unit comprises the tool post (1), tool post screw (2), tool post washer (3), tool post collar (4), and tool post wedge (5). The washer (3) fits the T-slot in the compound rest top slide. The collar and wedge elevate and lower the point of the tool, and the screw is used for clamping. When placing a tool in the tool post, be sure there are no chips or turnings between the collar and the compound rest, or between the wedge and the collar, to prevent the tool securing a firm foundation. Also see that the tool does not extend out of the tool post more than is necessary.
The compound rest slide should not extend over the bottom slide when taking heavy cuts, and the tool post should be located as near the center of the top slide as possible. Failure to observe the above precautions will often cause chatter. Do not tighten the tool post screw with a long wrench, but use the wrench provided for that purpose. Clean and lubricate the compound rest slides occasionally. Also put a few drops of oil on the compound rest screw. THE LATHE BED THE TAILSTOCK FIG. 14 – 13”-15” REGAL TAILSTOCK ASSEMBLY The tailstock unit comprises the tailstock top (1), tailstock bottom (2), tailstock clamp (3), tailstock spindle (4), and tailstock screw (5).
The entire unit is movable on the ways along the length of the bed to accommodate pieces of varying lengths between centers within the capacity of the machine. The tailstock is kept in alignment with the headstock by a V on the rear shear (way) of the bed and can be clamped in position with the tailstock clamping bolt (6). Before moving the tailstock along the bed, wipe the ways carefully to clean off any chips. Turnings on the ways will throw the tailstock out of alignment. The tailstock top (1) sets on the bottom (2) and is held in alignment by a cross tongue. For turning tapers in the absence of a taper attachment, a setover is pro- vided for the tailstock top.
A setover adjusting screw (7) on each side of the tailstock top provides means for setting, and a raised boss on the rear is graduated to show the amount of setover. The tailstock spindle (4) is moved in and out of the tailstock barrel by means of the screw (5), which fits a tapped hole in the spindle. The front end of the spindle is bored and reamed to a Morse taper to hold the tailstock center (8), drills, drill chucks and reamers. To remove the tailstock center, run the spindle back as far as it will go until the center hits the end of the screw, which will force it out of the tapered hole in the spindle.
Before replacing the center, carefully wipe out the hole; clean the tapered part of the center; move the spindle forward by a few turns of the hand wheel (9), and push center in. When using drills, drill chucks and reamers, be sure they are tight in the taper hole. If they are not tight they will revolve and cut the tapered hole, destroying its accuracy. Should the hole become scored, carefully ream out the burrs or score marks with a Morse taper reamer. The design of the tailstock allows the spindle to be clamped in any position by means of a binder screw handle (10). The spindle (4) should be removed oc- casionally, in order to oil the spindle nut and the out- side of the spindle barrel.
FIG. 13 – REGAL BED The bed is the foundation of the lathe. On it the different parts described in the foregoing paragraphs are mounted. The bed has been machined and accurately scraped at the factory, and the length of time that it stays in this condition depends entirely on the operator. Do not use the bed as an anvil for driving arbors in and out, or as a bench for hammers, wrenches and chucks. If you have no place to lay your tools, arrange a neat board at the tailstock end of your lathe, on which you can place them without damaging the bed. Do not lay chuck wrenches across the bed or wings of the carriage or leave tool post wrenches lying on the bed.
Many lathes have been wrecked by allowing the carriage to feed against a chuck wrench or a tool post wrench lying on the ways of the bed, between the carriage and the headstock. Also see that the tops of the girths in the bed are free from heavy turnings or chips, as there is only a small clearance between the carriage bridge and the bed girths. Keep the shears clean. Wipe them off occasionally with a rag or waste, following up with a little oil on a piece of cloth. See that the bed rack is kept tight on the bed. Remember, the condition of the bed usually tells what kind of a mechanic has been running the lathe. 13