I nabbed an ebay cheap precision level a few years back.? It may or may not be as good as they say, but I’m not on a boat and it sure helped my lathe.? One sheet of paper will take the 6” level pretty much lock to lock, it’s sensitive enough.

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I hate to even comment about how far out mine was, the bench under it warped some from the weight or simply wasn’t level when I built it.? Worlds of difference after leveling.? Yes some new supports for under the bench top are planned, then a re-level.

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Another recent finding, last weekend to be exact.? Stumbled onto a YouTube on head stock preload.? Now I’ve had the lathe for probably 30 years.? I thought I had set the preload but guess I didn’t do a great job.? Saw these guys taking massive cuts. I couldn’t get a clean cut on one half that size and don’t even talk to be about using a cutoff tool.

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While it didn’t show any end play, according to the video after half an hour the bearings were supposed to get warm (way warmer than I would probably like) and mine didn’t at all.? Now I’ve been using some good spindle oil instead of the 3-in-1 and that probably helps, but…? I’ve done a full ? turn of the nut and it’s just barley (2-4 degrees?) warming after 30-50 minutes of work.? Will take another shot at it and see if just a bit more might be helpful.

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Also went to a quick change wedge tool post (thank you all for the sizing there) and I just took some large cuts for me and still have a really nice finish.? Threaded some parts 25.4mm x 0.75mm ( J ) that came out nice too.? Cut-off is now easy and clean.

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Sharing cause I don’t want anyone to think they are hoggin all the mistakes J

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Greg

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