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3K views 45 replies 25 participants last post by  SCOTSMAN 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Ok everybody here comes a stupid question (you can laugh because I cant see you). I have a Jet 1442 lathe. I have read the instructions I have watched you tube and I cant see anything about the headstock and tailstock being tightened. Please help I don't want my first experience on this lathe to be the same as the last one, the tool got caught in between the turning wood and the tool rest, I got such a fright that I packed everything away and haven't done anything since. I didn't tell anyone which was silly. Pictures will help. Thanks
 
#2 ·
i dont think that a stupid question i cant answer it though LOL..

as for accidents they happen and anyone tell you different is a lier but it is like riding a horse you need to get straight back on her and give it another go
good luck with the beast i need to sort my lathe out soon then we can compere projects
 
#3 · (Edited by Moderator)
Do you mean HOW to tighten them or SHOULD you tighten them?

If you mean HOW: There is a black lever, a 8 to 10 inch metal lever, round, black. There is one on the head stock and tail stock. When it is loose the stocks will move fairly easily. To stop this you need to push the lever and tighten it. You will be able to tell when it is tight. Make sure it is snug, very snug.

SHOULD YOU?: Absolutely. NEVER turn using them without them being tightened.
 
#6 · (Edited by Moderator)
Cher, there should only be about 1/8" between the tool rest and the wood. The shorter the distance, the less chance there is of the tool being pulled into the gap. Also, you should approach the turning wood with the handle of the tool very low, so that the bevel of the cutter touches the wood first…..not the cutting edge. Then slowly raise the handle until the cutting edge contacts the wood.

Now I am thinking maybe your question is how much pressure should you put on the workpiece when you tighten the tailstock against it? Enough to hold it firmly in place, but not as tight as if you were clamping something in a vise.
 
#7 ·
Padre thanks. I gathered that they should be tightened I just didnt know how, it is late here now but I will look tomorrow morning, at this point I am just a little weary this is a big boy and when I start working on it I will be all alone so I wont have anyone here to come and save me should I do or forget something, so please bear with me I want this experience to be a happy and exciting one, so should I have any more questions replies will be welcome.
Janice I just want to practice before I get to some serious stuff I still have the bedroom suite to finish I like variety it makes the jobs interesting if I work on a job too long I find I get bored with it if it isnt progressing. I will keep you up to date. TopamaxSurvivor I dont want to go too far with tightening with pipes, Im tough I have already broken a vice and some of my clamps because I went overboard tightening. I will let you know.
 
#9 ·
Charlie, first Im going to check all the bells and whistles then I am going switch the machine on and duck for cover if nothing comes flying my way then I have made one small step. So watch this space I want to be confident that everything is working right. I have done a lot of reading and youtube watching I just have to put it into practice…...... lets see what happens, dont go too far in case there is another 'stupid question' at least I am only stupid for 5 minutes. Thanks much appreciated to all.
 
#11 ·
Cher, you sound like you may be frightened by your lathe. Some caution is good, these machines can hurt you if you are not careful. Lathe work in my view is the most fun, most rewarding you can have in the shop. Before you start, check a few things. Run the tailstock right against the headstock. they should line up exactly. Check for the correct speed for your stock. Set the toolrest as close as possible to the workpiece, from 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Tighten all adjustors snugly, but don't overtighten. Turn the workpiece one full turn with the power off to check for clearence. Wear a fullface shield and never wear gloves. Step to the side and turn on the lathe. Always keep your tool on the toolrest before contacting the wood.
 
#14 ·
Cher, Don't be afraid of it treat it with respect and common sense and you will soon be as addicted as all turners. Set the speed low and make shallow cuts. you might want to check out www.woodturnersonline.com they have more information than anyone can possible use. I am far from an expert but do have and use a big lathe.
 
#15 ·
Folks can we start over, I have made a mistake I meant, do the headstock and tailstock spindles get locked if so how? Please be patient with me, I am now more than ever determined to get this right. I promise I will be a good student and follow your instructions to a tee. I hope I got the names of the parts right this time.
Mario, is there anything else we want to know?
 
#21 ·
I dont think it is a dumb ? I have the same. When I put a piece on my lathe for the first time it locks i the haed nice and tight but I wasent sure about the tail so I cracked the wheel as hard as I can into the wood and tighted it down when I turned the michine on it started to smoke and burn the wood at the tail end. S I never used it again. Now I think what I should do is just put the tip of the tail into the wood and tighted it down, then it can spin freely.
 
#23 ·
Thanks for the links. We dont have AAW here only the AWB in Ventersdorp with ET in his green undies, sorry I couldnt resist that joke.
Jack Barnhillwe don't have lions roaming the streets any more the 'aliens' ate them up.
rtb Indeed
Charlie I am familiarising myself with the part names, at the very beginning I got it all wrong but I am getting there thanks for your input.
Mario get the covers off that thing, you are almost around the corner from Hardware Centre.There is always a woodworker in that place and willing to help. That is my favourite shop.
 
#24 ·
Cher -
I'm getting the impression that this lathe is totally new to you. From my own experience, I would suggest that you take the users manual (hopefully you got one), brew yourself a cup of tea (or beverage of choice), and curl up in your favorite reading chair and read the manual cover-to-cover.

When that's done, take the manual to the (unplugged) lathe and go thru it again - touching each part as you read about it. Then get some dowel about 8"-10" long and practice chucking it up in your (still unplugged) lathe. Do that a few times so you get the idea of how something is chucked up.

Now, plug in your lathe and fire that bad boy up to see how well you've done so far. Leave the chislels alone. Right now, you're just wanting to see it run.

If necessary (and it might be), go to the store where you bought the lathe and ask them to give you a "walk-thru". Most tool store guys I know would be more than glad to help you out. They'll blow us guys off in a heartbeat, but ladies usually get their full attention. - lol
 
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