Guys,
I am not an avid turner and my skills are very basic. I have been using a small JET mini lathe for some time, but just recently was able to obtain a large Craftsman lathe (model number 351.21 7170). Its 60" long and 15" high, definitely a difference from the JET. I'm not sure on the year built, but was I able to find the manual on-line which was printed in 1999.
Judging by the look and �feel� of the lathe, I don�t think that it was very well taken care of. It�s missing some parts although nothing that prohibits the use of the lathe. I have a few issues with the lathe that I need help with.
This first thing is the noise!!! The motor runs louder than it should, or what I assume it should run. I have pulled the headstock apart as much as I feel comfortable with and attempted to lubricate the bearings. I have blown out the motor with air and cleaned off any caked-on dust.
The second problem is that as much as I have tried, I cannot get the centers of the headstock and tailstock parallel and to match up. The hard part for doing this is that under the headstock is a bolt that requires you to tighten it when you have it parallel.
Every time the headstock moves even if it�s a 1/16th.
My other issues are more cosmetic or just require some work. For instance the bed needs to be cleaned really good and smoothed out better than I have it.
The manual has a real basic schematic of the motor, but nothing detailed enough that helps. The �maintenance� section in the manual is so basic that my 4 year old son could do it. I really need something more. I�m not sure if Craftsman restricts information on their equipment or if it�s information you have to buy, but unlike other tools I cannot find information on this lathe on-line. I was able to find the manual after several days of searching, but it is terrible as far as manuals go.
If anyone has any suggestions on websites, books, past experience or anything that would help I would appreciate it. Also if pictures would help?