Lesson #4B: Proper Lathe Setup - Cutting Head and final pre-machining steps

Center the cutting head over the rotor using one of the following methods:

• Removable cutting head models (50-238): Be certain that the cutting head is pulled squarely into the dovetail before bolting down with a 6mm T-handle provided in the tool kit.
• Speed-Lock machines (50-220): Slide, center, and lock using lateral lock lever.
• Parallel Arm Cutting heads (50-1200, 50-1250, 50-1280, 50-1299) Slide, center, and lock using lateral lock lever.
• 50-1330 Performance plus cutting head: slide, center, and lock rear lever.

Next, set up the stop cam by rolling the cutting tips in with the clutch knob to about an 1/8th of an inch from the outer edge of the rotor. Then loosen the thumb screw on the stop cam and slide on the rail until it is just to the left of the stop button on the micro-switch. The automatic shut-off will only work if the stop cam is set up properly. Failure to do so could cause damage to the lathe.

Now index the tips just off the face of the rotor by rolling the cutting head with the clutch knob counterclockwise so the cutting tips are close, but not over the rotor and wind in the tool arm dial knobs until the cutting tips are just clear of the rotor face.

Now select the correct position rotationally for the cutting process. The correct position is where there are no obstructions that the tool arms will encounter when you wind them in to the start position on the inside edge of the rotor, and where there is enough room to install the correct silencer for that rotor type. Rotate the lathe on the trolley by loosening the disc-lock lever and re-tightening. Do not over tighten.

Start the machine by turning the motor switch on, and then push the START button to compensate the machine for LRO. If for any reason the machine does not show green lights within 60-90 seconds or less, stop and recheck the setup. Newer machines will "time" out automatically after 90 seconds if compensation is not successful.

If a no compensation, or time-out condition exists, check the following:

• The adapter fits correctly and the lug nuts are tightened correctly.
• Any factory retaining clips are removed from the studs.
• The caliper on the opposite side is removed and the rotor is tightened evenly with at least 2 nuts.
• The face of the flange is flush with the face of the adapter.
• The wheels of the trolley are not jammed in any way blocking free motion of the trolley
• The trolley shock is not all the way topped or bottomed out - there should be some range of motion left in the shock to allow the lathe to compensate freely
• Emergency brake is disengaged.