I have a TL-2 lathe with a side clamp style tailstock like the picture below.
https://520machinery.com/2007HaasTL2_01232012-2.jpg
It has a lot of deflection in it. I can push it by hand when locked so it deflects at the top by 0.002" or so. It also squeezes the rails together about 0.005" when clamping and obviously doesn't repeat well that way. I can machine anything over 24" long without major chatter at the end. Is this normal for this setup. I realize the design has clanged a few times over the years. Mine is a 2006.
I am considering making a new base and use the Bosch bearing blocks, however I am wondering how much better that is? Or is it a lack of rigidity in the rails themselves? If anyone has a newer lathe with preloaded bearings in the tailstock I would love to know how ridged it is?
Thank you in advance.
Will