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Sloppy compound rest

I recently got myself a 12" Reed & Prentice lathe which I am running through the paces.

I noticed when I take a cut and backtrack the carriage I am still taking another cut. I did not expect that to happen, rather after a cut I would expect the tool to just barely touch the piece upon return of the carriage, but not so here.

Someone said that was a problem with the compound rest but I don't understand the phenomena at all, where does that "slop" originate?

And what can I do if anything to remedy the situation??

Uwe

Reply to
Uwe
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Uwe, It might not be compound or carraige slop. It could be flex in the work, chuck or tailstock as well. Pay attention to all details. When looking for something loose. It helps to use a dial indicator on the work and move each unit with reasonable force and watch for deflection. Steve

Reply to
Steve Lusardi

Or if you're cutting something like brass with a positive rake tool it could be that the tool is being drawn into the work. Normally you're cutting with the lead screws loaded to push the slides into the work. This leaves the backlash available for "pulling" on the tool.

What is it about the metal structure of brass that makes it do that, anyway?

Reply to
Ben Jackson

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