Elmer’s #3 part four
The next stage was to produce the four pillars supporting the cylinder. What might appear to be a relatively simple job can in fact be something of a nightmare if you don’t work to the right system. Fortunately Bogs showed me how to produce a backstop for the lathe sometime ago and it really does save a lot of time and anguish if you have to produce a number of identical turned parts. What you need is to aquire a ’soft’ arbor to suit your headstock taper. The likely chances are that it will be an MT3 but check with your machine specification before ordering. I think Bogs will be running a post shortly to explain how to make your lathe backstop but meanwhile my pics will give you some idea how it works. Remember, if you want to see a larger image just click on the pic.
- Backstop arbor inserted into headstock spindle taper is the key to turning a number of identical parts.
- A simple easily made tapping block will ensure that you tap your holes fair and square.
- Columns supporting the cylinder and its base plate are screwed into position.



