Dave has a good point.? Plus you should be measuring end float when setting tapered roller bearings, not radial float.? Tapered Roller Bearings are normally operated with a preload.? The Atlas 10” and early and late 12” all use the same spindle and bearings.? The factory setting is for 0.002” preload when cold.? Download the Atlas Technical Bulletin on your lathe’s headstock from the Groups Files section.? There are four, 6” (618 & 101.21400), 10”, early 12” (all those with 3.8” ways) and late 12” (all those with 1/2” ways).? The actual detail of the preloading procedure is the same for the four groups.? But the TB’s also tell how to remove and reinstall the spindle and back gears, which differ somewhat between the four groups.

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The last few times I've used the lathe, I put oil in the spindle cups and each have a flat piece of felt as? a wick laid in there.? Every time I put oil in them, the back oil cup is empty and the front cup is still practically full. It is probably the sealing of the metal caps that cover the front and backside of the? Timken Brgs.
Should this concern me?

I'll try taking the wick out of the front and see if that speeds up the oil usage but the back seems to be emptying too fast IMO.

When I rebuilt it I followed the procedures for setting the spindle and I seem to remember? the spindle should have about a 0.001 or so of play when cold.
I'm getting over 0.001, maybe 0.001-0.002 when i pull sideways on the chuck.?
Does this seem OK?

My work is coming out nice and I think the force I'm putting on the chuck to get that deflection is higher than a cutting force on most stuff.
Just checking to see if I need to adjust something or if anybody has had similar situations.
Thanks,
Jody