How do you check if a lathe is running true?

[Ben Rafael]

My rikon seems to not be quite right. I cannot sight if it is off, but the sound when I'm turning has a beat as if it is not quite true. Is there an easy way to verify this.

[Lee DeRaud]

Check the tension on the belt: if it's too loose or too tight, it can affect the sound. Also try a different pulley setting, see if the sound you're hearing is related to motor speed or to spindle speed.

[Ben Rafael]

Thanks, I'll try those suggestions.

[Jeff Horton]

Clamp a pencil, pen or anything else with a point to the tool rest. Slide it up to your Chuck or face plate and spin the spindle by hand. You can see any wobble very easy.

[Curt Fuller]

Those are all good suggestions to checking if it runs true. But also, even if the lathe is turning true some woods cut so differently from side grain to end grain that it gives the feeling that something isn't right when your turning.

[Mark Rios]

I think the very best way to tell if a lathe is running true is to tell it a lie. If it keeps on going, it's just fine.