Machinery's Reference Series, Vol. 51: Principles and Practice of Assembling Machine Tools (Classic Reprint)

Master the art of precision assembly with practical methods for building an engine lathe.

This chapter shows thorough, careful approaches to planing beds, aligning headstock and tailstock, and preparing gages for interchangeable work.

Thorough, step‑by‑step details illustrate how modern machining aims for minimal scraping and reliable fit. It uses a concrete 24‑inch engine lathe example to explain how accurate planing, bearding the gages, and careful setup influence overall cost and quality.

• Planing and finishing the bed and carriage to ensure true alignment of critical ways
• Using precision gages and feelers to verify fit and interchangeability
• Approaches to machining headstock and tailstock that reduce rework
• Strategies for assembling and testing geared mechanisms to ensure smooth operation

Ideal for readers of practical machine shop reference and anyone involved in assembling and adjusting machine tools.