[PSUBS-MAILIST] Lathe Problems

[<james@guernseysubmarine.com>]

Hello All.

I have yet another problem someone could maybe help me with.
I really need to get my Lathe working properly.  You can see it here.

http://www.guernseysubmarine.com/index_files/Page10613.htm

Its an old one but apparently should be ok.  It has all the features i need and to by a new one that does the same things would be about $5000.
So ive really got to get it working.  I can get all the spares for it from the original factory.

Here is the problem.

Shoddy finish and dreadfull bad cutting.
Have a look at this picture and you can see what i mean.   My camera didnt like zooming in that close so its the best pic i could get.

http://guernseysubmarine.wordpress.com/

If i make a VERY shallow cut and go VERY slowly, it cuts ok ish, but still leaves a rough finish.  (like a very fine screw thread with burred edges).

If i make a deeper cut or slightly faster, it cuts a bit and then makes a hideous squeaking noise and produces the shown poor cut.

This is what ive done so far.

Eliminated all traces of splidle lift and end float on the main spindle.

Tightened up cross slide and sadle play.

Securly bolted machine to the floor and shimmed up the bed to flat.

Ive tried various different cutting tools of all shapes and sizes including brand new ones.

Tried different 4 jaw independant chuck.

Tried different speeds.

Speed is 640 RPM, tool brand new, centred and job material is low carbon steel.

Im almost sure the main spindle and chuck assembly is ok.  There is no play at all and it seems very good.

I believe the problem must be on the saddle/cross slide/tool post somewhere.  I cant detect any vibration/movement, but it must be there somewhere.  There does seem to be backlash on the cross slide hand wheel, but then there always is.

I know these machines have to be reground sometimes and i suspect that may be needed.  There must have been a reason the college i got it from were getting rid of it....

I've done loads of lathe work before and im pretty sure its not my technique.  I've never had this problem before.

Am i just asking to much of a small machine?  Maybe its just "general vibration" over the whole machine.  It is 50 years old.

I could try and get a part exchange for a reconditioned one.  http://www.myford.com/html/186801.pdf

Any ideas anyone before i go and turf it over the cliffs...?

Thanks
James