Replies

1. 
   RickL | Oct 16, 2007 03:14pm | #1

   A stock tailstock can be modified but you will need a machinist who can be on the creative side.

1. 
   DougSmith | Oct 17, 2007 04:41am | #2

   I was hoping to identify tail stocks that have a 5 inch height, and then pursue making the base fit my bed.

1. 
   RickL | Oct 17, 2007 03:10pm | #4

   Taking a more proactive approach would be to look at catalogs that feature lathes. Grizzly, etc.  http://www.packardwoodworks.com specializes in turning. 5" is a 10" swing which is the minilathe category. I would look at raing the headstock so you could use one of the largger full size tailstocks which might be more commonly found. A riser on the headstock and tailstock  has been done a lot with pattern makers lathes to increase the capacity.

   You could do this quite simply with baltic birch plywwod and simple mending plates from the hardware store to create the guides on the tailstock. It would probably last you quite some time. Even better is maple die board. Small pieces could be bought on the web perhaps. I have a few shops around here that make die cutting boards for cutting out blister packs of vacuum formed packages

   Edited 10/17/2007 11:07 am ET by RickL

1. 
   DougSmith | Oct 21, 2007 03:51pm | #6

   Rick,Thanks for this information. I am having a look at the Packard site. If I were to identify an older lathe part that would help solve my problem, should I run a classified ad seeking it? Or should I enter my request in this forum?

1. 
   RickL | Oct 22, 2007 01:31pm | #7

   I wouldn't recommend either of your ideas...

   Finding an old tailstock is less likely than buying a new import tailstock. I'd get a 12" swing tailstock and raise the headstock. If the bed spacing was different on the tailstock I would take an adapter plate from plywood and still raise the headstock up accordingly. It's really a simple fix and if you keep your path it will take forever and cost a lot more than necessary. I fix problem solve and repair machinery for a living for over 25 years.

   You might find one on ebay but You wil still have to modify the tailstock and or headstock. My idea of plywood and mending plates will work  fine and would be a simple test before committing to a machinist modifying anything.

   Edited 10/22/2007 8:37 am ET by RickL

2. 
   DougSmith | Oct 27, 2007 07:10pm | #8

   Rick,What you suggest is definitely an option for me. What models of 12 inch swing tail stock would you recommend? I went to the packardwoodowrks site that was suggested in another reply, and they have two items that are similar to what I need (Jet Mini and Delta Midi). However, I don't know if they will sell just a tail stock assembly. Thanks

3. 
   RickL | Oct 28, 2007 12:48am | #9

   Contact Delta, Grizzly, Jet, etc. They willl definitely selll the tailstock.

2. 
   Pippins | Oct 17, 2007 02:51pm | #3

   doug, try searching on E-Bay. Be patient and you should find some that can be modified. You are taking a chance of course buying unseen. Just make sure to query the seller on the dimensions before bidding. 

   I am looking for a 6" Delta/Rockwell replacement tailstock and have seen some 5" tailstocks listed.

   Steve Pippins

3. 
   mike4244 | Oct 17, 2007 07:19pm | #5

   You could easily make a wood tailstock with a machined hollow spindle for what ever morse taper you want. My own lathe is completely wood except for bearings and spindles.The tailstock is made with a threaded bolt vertically protruding thru the center gap of the channel iron. A plywood disk with a sheet of 100 grit sandpaper is positioned under the channels and is tightened with a crank handle with an embedded nut.The sand paper keeps the disk from slipping. You may not need the sandpaper, you can add it if you need to.I bored the spindle hole on the lathe. I used a #2 morse taper drill chuck and a 15/16" forstener bit ,the bit should be the size of the tailstock machined spindle. My tailstock sits on wooden rails and is notched to extend 1" below the rails.This keeps the tailstock from turning or twisting. The tailstock has to be advanced by hand, or as I did it with a hydraulic jack horizontally on the bed. The jack made it easier to advance the tailstock into the bit, I kept slight down pressure on the tailstock as it advanced.This assured an exact height.

   My tailstock spindle is advanced forward with a simple 3/4" threaded rod with a crank handle on the end. The other end which engages the spindle has a nut on it held with a drilled pin. Loctite on the thread would have been just as good. I bored the 3/4"rod out for a 1/4" plain rod that is inserted and tapped with a mallet to remove the morse taper tool.

   The spindle is locked by a 1/4" steel bolt with a 1/4"x3/8" brass slug ,bored on an angle thru the tailstock to the spindle. I had a 1/4x20 x1" long coupling that I epoxied into the tailstock for the locking bolt. After installing the spindle ,place the brass slug into the hole before screwing in the bolt. The brass is softer than the spindle and will nor mar it.

   The biggest shortcoming is the spindle does not retract ,you have to push it back by hand after releasing the lock and reversing the crank.This is not a problem for me.

   Because the tailstock spindle on my lathe goes thru wood, it could be off slightly with wear or seasonal changes. Bolt on pillow block bearings on each side will take care of this.The only other drawback I noticed is that my tailstock is not accurate enough boring small things like pens.Probably if I added pillow block bearings it may help.

   You can spindles from any tool supplier that carries lathe parts. I bought them from grizzly,delta, jet etc also have replacement parts.Pillow block bearings usually can be bought locally,check yellow pages under power transmission. I suggest you take the spindle with you if you decide to buy bearings.They will measure for correct fit.

   mike