[bjinatj]

I recently purchased a combo mill / lathe, I have no idea how to use a lathe. I do a lot of mig and tig and thought it would be fun to learn a lathe.

The question I have is I can see the lathe has a x and y axis, but I cannot find a z axis to center my cutting tool. When I mount my cutting tool to the tool post is it just centered with shims, or is there a way to move on a z axis?

Thanks for all of your help!
-Ronnie

[Al_The_Man]

I think you are refering to tool height, usually shimed to centre of the material/stock, the axis on a lathe is X across the face of the chuck, Z through the centre of the chuck to tail stock centre.
The tool height adjustment depends on the type of tool post.
Al.

[bjinatj]

That is pretty much what I assumed. Thank you for your reply, it was very helpful.

Keep up the good work all!
-Ronnie

[BobWarfield]

Ronnie, a lot of folks buy a quick change toolpost (QCTP) for their lathes. These have a little screw on the tool holder to vary the tool height. Phase II and others make QCTP's for smaller lathes.

Best,

BW

[nthrower]

You can always put a centre into the headstock, and then use it as a basis for shimming up the cutter.

Alternatively you can always try facing off a piece of bar stock. If it leaves a pip on the end, it is too low. If runs clean across then you are OK. If it seem to stick at the centre point of cutting - it is probably too high, as the bottom of the cutter is now trying to push past the pip.

I'm a relative beginner too.