I have a Delta Gap bed lather, variable speed model, 12″ made in the 90’s of so. Was once a school lathe. It is the 46-541 to 544 model number. I need answers to two questions. What is the proper size of the two belts its uses, in length that is. And, the tail stock slips. Anyone know how to fix that problem? It does not seem wise to me to hit that small leve with a big hammer. Sure is anoying to keep adjusting it. Advice anyone? Tom R.
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Replies
Tom -
I know nothing about the lathe in question but I'll attempt a suggestions.
How does the tailstock clamp down mechanism work? Is it a cam lock affair or a bolt tightenging a washer to the underside of the ways? If it's a cam lock mechanism it could be that there's enough wear in the cam assembly that it won't tighten down sufficiently to keep it from slipping. If it's a bolt/nut kind of tightening assembly you might try adding a washer shim under the locking lever to reduce the "throw" of the threads. Also the mating surfaces of the locking plates under the ways may need cleaning or replacing.
These are all just guesses since I don't have a clue how the tailstock lock works on your lathe.
From Beautiful Skagit Co. Wa.
Dennis
Thanks the suggestions. I may look to replace the cam that is activated by a lever. But I really wrote to say that we just returned from a ten day vacation in the valley - we stayed with old frineds in Mount Vernon. Yes it is the beautiful Skagit Valley.
Tom Russell
Go to the delta website first. Look for information on your lathe, probably won't find it if it's an older lathe. Then e-mail delta with your questions, they will ask for a phone# and a good time to call you. A tech that has experience with delta lathes will answer your questions. I had a question about a drill press that was answered on the phone. In my case I wanted to know if a threaded rod quill stop and adjustment could be added to a delta drill press that did not have one. The tech answered all my questions.
mike
I have a Delta Gap bed lather, variable speed model, 12" made in the 90's of so. Was once a school lathe. It is the 46-541 to 544 model number. I need answers to two questions. What is the proper size of the two belts its uses, in length that is. And, the tail stock slips. Anyone know how to fix that problem?
******************
Parts List: http://media.ptg-online.com/media/dm/Parts%20Lists/20021115200000_WL3C.pdf
You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view it. Available free from Adobe, http://www.adobe.com .
Tailstock: To tighten, loosen the tailstock, slide it off the end of the lathe. Turn it upside down, you'll see the locking mechanism -- a plate held by a pair of nuts on a threaded rod. Tighten the nuts a turn or two, replace tailstock and see how it works. Repeat until satisfactory. If you've the space, add jam nuts, it's a 5/16x24 nut, a decent automotive fastener store will have it.
Alternatively, if you've the space: pull the plate, screw one set of nuts down to just above where it rests, put the plate back, secure with aircraft washers and remaining nuts.
Drive belt: Damfino. I've the 4-speed version, I got a replacement belt from a local auto parts place. You can order it from Delta, but be aware that they have hefty shipping charges. You might be able to order it through a dealer and tell them you're not in a hurry, ride the shipping on their next large order. You might try taking them to an auto parts store or Grainger, see if they can match.
Leon Jester
Edited 7/24/2005 4:34 pm ET by Leon Jester
A quick visit to http://www.owwm.com/ will most likely provide you with the answers and part numbers you need for your vintage equipment.
John in Texas
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