Tail stock quill wobble, weave, bounce, ????

[4mikee]

I bought a pm 3520 a year ago and at times (not all the time) I notice the tail stock quill moving as if it were out of round (turning noticeably in an oval) instead of perfectly round and balanced. When I notice this the most is after turning the base and foot then reverse chucking.(ex. Bowl turned last night with foot side first, reversed with interior facing tail stock and tail stock being used for additional support.) This doesn’t appear to happen all the time (although I’m wondering if it may not be as noticeable at times) and my first impression is that it’s off center. It literally wobbles like a tire out of round. I’ve checked the alignment, made sure I’m cinched down with the levers and it’s fine. What I can’t figure is how can it be off center with a cone center attached to the live center that has been engaged in the wood after is is chucked. This has also happened with green pieces rounded on the bandsaw for natural edge bowls. Usually it surfaces as I’m turning the base. It will be attached with a screw center in the top for natural edge and tailstock pulled up. When I turn the juice it wobbles (maybe). I would think it would have to be centered, could it be the blank out of balance forcing the quill to move in this motion and since it's locked down this is the only thing it can do except break. I’m convinced I’m doing something wrong.
Thanks

 

[MichaelMouse]

As the owner of an original spindly laterally "adjustable" tailstock on a Nova 3000, I think I know what a pain it can be. Only with mine, even the loctite on the screws works loose a couple times a year.

It's something simple, normally. Your tailstock has a bit of clearance so that you can move it back and forth along the ways, and if you've tightened it to the ways prior to snubbing it up to the wood, it may not be in alignment, being held by your attempt to use it as a third hand. I use a point-less snub end and get my third hand use, then back the quill off a turn, loosen the tailstock cam, and reseat the center while rotating by hand. It naturally chooses the path of least resistance, and once snug, I tighten the cam.

Exotic answers like dust in the taper and jaws not snug to the shoulder of a tenon or firm on the bottom of a mortise hold are possible, but I'm betting on the simple one.

 

[4mikee]

Well. After posting I had a similar thought, only I figured maybe I should be tightening the tailstock first and wasn't. I do it both ways which may explain why it doesn't happen all the time. I'll certainly watch how I do this in the futere. Never thought much about it.......Another thought along these lines. I recently purchased a Jameison system with the video. In the video Lyle Jamiseson brings attention to something similar I believe. If I remember correctly, he tightens the bed rail and rotates the quill into the blank at the same time to better center the tail stock. Maybe he's listening and can chime in, who knows.
Thanks again

 

[Jake Debski]

I bought a pm 3520 a year ago and at times (not all the time) I notice the tail stock quill moving as if it were out of round (turning noticeably in an oval) instead of perfectly round and balanced. When I notice this the most is after turning the base and foot then reverse chucking............
Thanks

Early on I experienced similar problems with my 3520. I use a method similar to what MM describes when tightening. I also bought an adapter to fit the PM(Oneway clone)tailstock and chuck/faceplate. This allows mounting the blank with the faceplate/chuck on the tailstock and bringing the two up to the headstock for rechucking. I Keep as much of the tailstock quill inside the tailstock when doing this also.

 

[4mikee]

Early on I experienced similar problems with my 3520. I use a method similar to what MM describes when tightening. I also bought an adapter to fit the PM(Oneway clone)tailstock and chuck/faceplate. This allows mounting the blank with the faceplate/chuck on the tailstock and bringing the two up to the headstock for rechucking. I Keep as much of the tailstock quill inside the tailstock when doing this also.

This is a good point. I believe the quill is extended quite a bit at the time. I tend to do this to allow more room. I'll take notice of this also.
Thanks

 

[MichaelMouse]

This is a good point. I believe the quill is extended quite a bit at the time. I tend to do this to allow more room. I'll take notice of this also.
Thanks

That's basic. Farther from the pivot point, the greater the degree of freedom. If you let it self-center, it's moot, of course.

Go ahead and give yourself some handle swing territory.

 

[Jake Debski]

That's basic. Farther from the pivot point, the greater the degree of freedom. If you let it self-center, it's moot, of course.

Go ahead and give yourself some handle swing territory.

After you establish center and have the chuck tight it is simple enough to keep the live center in contact while using your hand wheel to space the tailstock away from the blank.