Precision Matthews TL-1660 Lathe Alignment Checks & Test Cuts

[@jameskilpatrick7790]

I bet Precision Matthews is loving this. They have a sterling reputation, but when Adam Booth tests out your lathe in his shop, his way, and says it's a winner, a LOT of people listen. Great stuff, and looking forward to lots more!

[@bdkj3e]

As much as I like it that he's happy it will just drive up the demand and make it that much longer before I'm able to get one lol, I was already leaning towards one of these over a Grizzly lathe.

[@matthewperlman3356]

I have had the smaller Precision Matthews 1440BV for 3.5 years now and over all i am very happy with the lathe and their service.

[@nikhilbhale79]

Is it a "FREE" publicity for Precision Matthew.

[@rescobar8572]

@@bdkj3e which Grizzly were you looking at?

[@bdkj3e]

@@rescobar8572 of

[@StormyJoeseph]

Thanks ABOM! Excellent video. Darrel Holland from American Gun smithing has a great demonstration for belt driven lathes. He does everything from your demo, only on a Southend. Great videos for old south bends as well as J head Bridgeport's. He's the reason I fell in love with machining.

[@industrialebikes4956]

This is the same machine that I have & have used as a *workhorse* for about 2 years. I am happy that I chose this machine. I am still paying it off!

[@goose300183]

That lathe sounds SWEET! You can definitely tell it's brand new and modern, got that reassuring quiet whine to it.

[@rossamore1530]

I’m not a machinist, but I always feel educated by your videos Adam;which I greatly enjoy. You have a way of delivering your knowledge that engages the viewer. What gets me every time though, is your smile. It’s great to see the delight sharing your craft brings you, and from the comments, you bring joy to many others. Just a wonderful person; thanks for sharing.

[@robertstout4764]

My dad had a Hardinge TL tool room lathe made in 1947 in his tool and die shop.. As a kid in the early ‘70s I made some extra spending money doing small production runs on it.. I also used it whenever I needed a lathe for a project. He retired and closed the shop in the early ‘90’s. When it closed it I got the lathe and it’s been in my garage ever since (It has moved with me a couple times). I stopped using it in about 2000 when it started sounding rough but I have kept it in my garage. Recently I have wished I had access to a nice lathe for small projects again and decided to fix the Hardinge as when done I’d have a better tool then buying a cheap mini lathe. Information on the old Hardinge TL is hard to come by and your videos on setting up your new lathes are helping with knowing what I will need to do to get it set back up properly

[@Iamalizard]

I am heating up some cutting oil in a Petri dish to have the smell of it while watching your video, imagine there's a whole barrel of the stuff. Really gets me in the mood...

[@CrossesbyCharlie]

a lot of these good starting checks come from. the extra care that you took when leveling the machine. that care taken will show in things like this.

[@jeremydoblinger3609]

Speaks to the company who set that machine up.. really nice seeing that 0-0 first shot and dam that machine sounds so great.. nice knowing you the only person to use it..

[@jaredstreator3847]

Adam, We switched everything over in our shop the QualiChem the last few years (X750) and have had no more issues with our water based going rancid on us. I would seriously recommend it. They will also fill up your new machines for free, I work in a large CNC shop that does alot of high end machining and I hate nothing more than rotten coolant. I would check them out. If you are ever in Utah give me a shout, you can come take a tour. We do more than alot of shops with our apprentice program and we love teaching the new up and coming generation of machinist, so I love watching how well you teach and explain. Thanks for the Content.

[@donaldnaymon3270]

Lathe came set up well. Thank you for sharing how to check the alignments. Great video. Awesome machine.

[@eastcoastwatch672]

You know that’s a quiet machine when you can hear the insert cutting the material, WOW 🤩

[@joshuateter2410]

Badass shop Abom! Let the fun begin! Congratulations on all the hard work paying off for the channel! Keep it up!

[@CrimFerret]

That amazingly good alignment from the factory.

[@Narwaro]

I really like the series and Im really excited for the frequent videos, appreciate the evening entertainment.

[@patrickcolahan7499]

That is a great lathe. Wish I had one. Makes mine look like a toy. Congrats Adam. Thanks very much for sharing.

[@PG-ku9qd]

Really happy for you, Adam. You have the means to build a new shop with all new tools. That's gotta be a great feeling. Can't wait to see some chips flying on all the new equipment!

[@berockization]

This week I received a Precision Matthews PM-935TV mill.... The spindle taper has NO runout I can measure with a new Compac tenths indicator. PM is doing it right. Great business model.

[@Dreddip]

That looks like a good machine.

[@bcbloc02]

Always nice when you don't have to work on it before you use it!

[@Tom_Losh]

I'm honesty impressed with the alignment of that lathe "straight out of the box." Nice gear!

[@mikescott4007]

Adam you just raised the bar for your fellow KZbinrs the amount of detail you can see because of the new shop new lighting new equipment it’s amazing it is just like being there graduations!

[@kevinreardon2558]

I still like that generational picture at the end. Bot pa and grandpa would be proud.

[@bombardier3qtrlbpsi]

Nice job and thanks for sharing!👍 Shop is looking great.

[@wingnoit]

Been waiting for the words Matthews, test and cut to appear in a video title!

[@KimbrellBrad]

That machine is a gem! So nice having brand new quality equipment that is now verified. Can't wait to see what you are going to get into with all of this new equipment! Great stuff!

[@m3chanist]

The sound from that machine speaks volumes (yeah, all puns intended) Silky smooth.

[@Airtight215]

Really looks like you got a great lathe. Hats off to Precision Matthews and the manufacturers they work with to make it. Looks and sounds really good.

[@Ddabig40mac]

That lathe took very respectable cuts in stainless. Glad to see the time spent leveling the machine has already paid off in the alignment testing.

[@AB_Tool]

I can't wait to get my 12x36 I ordered from precisionmatthews. Really looking forward to it after seeing this and how yours preforms.

[@junkmannoparts9696]

If you can spend the extra $$$ get the 1236T if you want the quality like the TL 1660 don't by a Chinese models if you can afford a Taiwan machine . I have a 1440 LB the single ph motor mad more noise than the headstock had to work on the tailstock. the LT's are the best then GT then T then the rest . talk to the guys at PM ask lots of questions . good luck .JM

[@AB_Tool]

@@junkmannoparts9696 I think the one I ordered will be fine. I'm not a machine shop just a hobbiest for now. It should be more than adequate for what I'm doing. If the motor makes to much noise I will swap it for a baldor USA motor.

[@grntitan1]

@@AB_Tool The lathe you ordered will serve you well. Good size for a hobby shop. It will likely be large enough for anything you would want to turn. PM also has good customer service. Enjoy it.

[@cj599]

helps to measure after the work piece cools completely too

[@nielscremer599]

Seeing your shiny new lathe makes me soooo jealous! Any tips on a) restoring not so shiny ways and b) keeping them shiny?

[@tylersantiago3500]

This is awesome Abom!!! You're following in your pops and grandpops footsteps, but in a 2022 type of way. Thank you for everything mann!!

[@mohammedazaroual5925]

Great thanks for you,we learn lot of things from your videos,

[@jeffh1269]

A machining video. No complaints from me.

[@lapphan8926]

Hi ! ADAM .your workshop is greatly .all things are cleansI love your workshops

[@claudew2899]

Another test I would do is to bore a piece of stock held in the chuck. About 2" dia. by about 4" long hole. Making sure the cutting tool is on center it should bore straight. If it does the center line of the headstock is inline with centerline of carriage and bed ways. I enjoy your channel. With my 35yrs machinist experience I would do some things different but the end result would be the same.

[@pvtimberfaller]

Normally they suggest you chuck a piece & turn it to see if the headstock is aligned with the ways, same idea, much easier to measure. It’s a modern lathe problem, an old south bend sits on the same ways as the tailstock, usually machined at the same time.

[@GManBart]

Love all the videos of the new PM TL-1660! I have two lathes now and had three others previously, but have decided I'm going to sell one and upgrade to something new when I retire in 3 years. The TL-1660 was on my radar, and I was leaning that way, but now I'm convinced it's the way to go.

[@Ideasite]

It's really awesome to have watched your shop go from a lot to where you are today. Wish you all the best.

[@hubbsllc]

This was super interesting. Great close-ups.

[@PiCkUpdk]

Abom, check the video around 21:33. When you disengage the feed, looks like the toolholder twisted a bit.

[@beezul]

Good eye! Replayed the moment a couple of times at regular and 1/4 speed and yes, the toolpost jumps up a smidge.

[@MachiningandMicrowaves]

@@beezul I wondered if it was just the camera getting jolted when the feed was disengaged as it's mounted on the carriage, but if not, that's a *big* jump.

[@jamesworsham125]

Man, the quality of this camera makes it look like I’m right there. Great job once again.

[@Dreddip]

I cant wait til he gets VR setup!

[@nkelly.9]

What an awesome machine. It runs so smooth and quiet!

[@alp9532]

Since these are the first chips made with this lathe you may consider collecting them and casting them in epoxy and put them on display above the lathe just like some businesses put their first dollar made

[@Silver_Turtle]

Al P -- A great idea! 🐢

[@joehubler4965]

I love new toys, use it well Adam!

[@jimmyboles3409]

Looks like it’s going to be a pretty sweet lathe 👍 I’m really ready to see the American Pacemaker makes some chips the old school rigid cutting lathe, enjoyed the video 👍

[@johncatt1867]

There is nothing like the smell of Cutting Oil in the morning.

[@r3vo830]

Can't wait to see the first projects being made on the new machine.

[@PeterWMeek]

I really like the idea of giving the new shop its first whiff of sulphurated cutting oil. It's certainly what makes a shop smell like a shop to me.

[@joewhitney4097]

The new lathe appears to be a winner. Thanks for sharing Adam.

[@frankish5314]

I had an oopsy on my 1440GT that threw the HS alignment out. I started swinging the headstock and its a bit like trying to swat a fly with a sledgehammer! I got it to within 7/10ths over 6 inches after a number of trys. I then put an 11 thou shim (razor blade) under one side at the tailstock end got it to within 1/10th. I would say this method is a much easier way once you have it reasonably close.

[@andersjjensen]

Can't wait to see you make that acme lead screw on this! :D

[@JohnCochranjohnc63825]

i swear i could smell that oil smoke when you put it on there. nice lathe brother

[@DownToNerd]

Man, that lathe runs so damn smooth. Congrats on the first cuts here.

[@musicalBurr]

Howdy Adam, just a quick video-production suggestion in case it's helpful to you. A quick google search showed me that you can get polarizing filters to attach to your go-pro camera. You can use them to knock out any reflections that you don't like (eg. on that dial indicator). It will reduce the amount of light into the camera by one stop, but it looks like you have oodles of light there, so shouldn't be a problem. Anyway, just a suggestion from a non-machinist long-time fan who enjoys watching you work and your thoughts etc. I hope this is helpful for those few times you want a specific camera-angle but a reflection is giving you a hard time! Kind Regards, James.

[@floodo1]

Yeah polarizing filter should help

[@mikepayne5032]

It was good to see the lath making chips in the new shop

[@tomwhite1823]

Great vid and I love your new lathe. A suggestion for that very small taper. There may be a VERY slight twist on the bed. You can try lifting the front adjuster foot at the tail stock end. That might get that .0002 out of you are concerned about it. Keep these awesome videos coming.

[@ellieprice363]

A very good suggestion that should correct that tiny taper.

[@floodo1]

ITS HAPPENING

[@robertgregilovich2229]

Nice and shiny new stuff👍

[@davidmott2090]

seems to behave like a fine machine. I've been looking at PM small lathes lately, these are promising results and will definitely influence my purchasing decision.

[@andymaltby4518]

Fantastic job Adam, a great success!. I think you have convinced me to go Taiwanese - over here in the UK they seem to be branded as Ajax. Wishing you every success with the lathe!

[@porkerthepig]

I know some Ajax mills and accessories are actually made in Spain not sure about their lathes, but I have never heard anything bad about there machines

[@samrodian919]

That's very impressive metal removal Adam. I really like the machine!

[@1903A3shooter]

SOUNDS so smooth.

[@jeremydoblinger3609]

You dad and grandpa would be proud as hell brother! Such a nice machine

[@btfou]

Love you cranking out the vids lately.

[@OmeMachining]

Looking good... very smooth and quiet running machine. 👍 Soon I will get a Microweily, also a Taiwanese machine, - and it's super smooth/quiet as well. Not a famous brand like many other. But still with great performance. 😊

[@jwdickinson643]

congratulations again, Adam! your new shop is awesome!

[@tonynagy2042]

The new machine shop is looking great Adam. I bet you're excited it's all coming together as planned. 💯👍. Cheers Blessings.

[@williambikash6645]

In the USA people discuss units of precision measurement. When dealing with surface plates we are talking 50 millionth of an inch,then ten thousands , then one thousands then one inch, then one foot, then the length of an American Football field ( 300 Ft, one hundred yards, or for you metric guys 91.44 meters) then light years. Sorry not going to figure a light year in meters. It's all we need. Measure away !

[@kodonosaki9273]

You could mill a concave relief, on the lath compound tool post rest, inboard of the locking nuts, in order to be able to use the box end of a wrench, if you so desired.

[@farmerkevin]

That tool mounted camerawork is good, real good. Thanks!

[@hasletjoe5984]

Slide over to the Pacemaker, should be able to really move some material there. Great video!

[@johnchamberlain5435]

Adam, you make running a lathe or a mill look so easy. It's easy to forget that you are a third generation machinist with decades of experience. I really want to get some of my own machinery and start making chips, but my income level puts a single-family house with a garage out of reach for me. Perhaps some day...

[@frankish5314]

My new 1440GT is apparently arriving early October. The out of the box alignment of the TL1660 is very encouraging.. Hopefully mine is as good, even if it only has a 2" headstock bore..:)

[@lkw6640]

You look like a proud father lol. Very nice machine Adam

[@mudnducs]

So how is this lathe working out for you? I’m looking at an old Monarch series 60/61 and it seems to be an extremely solid machine. But new....that’s hard to beat!

[@matthewperlman3356]

Looks good! If you ever do need to do that adjustment, those adjustment screws should be just above the bed on the back of the head (opposite the control levers)

[@maxpuppy96]

That is nice precision lath.

[@infoanorexic]

With needing time to settle fully (including the floor/building), and heavy machinery being moved near, it might be a good idea to verify your leveling and make sure nothing has shifted in a significant way. If you are within a mile or two of the ocean, check when there is a really high/low tide. I talked to someone that had experience problems with ground shifting between high and low tides, he was a lot further north, but it won't hurt to rule the possibility out.

[@swanvalleymachineshop]

Nice one . 👍

[@Nullpersona]

Is there a mod for the lathe able to show the clutch pressure, and indicate oscillations in the chuck, work piece, tool, or center? Maybe something like a contact guitar tuner or mic'd oscilloscope could identify resonance, since chatter and other issues are somewhat audible? Could the dry material be grabbing the tool, increasing deflection at the point of increased drag? Congrats on first chips and the new lathe!

[@doctwiggenberry5324]

great program, like watching you work.

[@Improveng1]

Nice one Adam, enjoyed the video. However, there are some observations/suggestions which you might consider. Firstly, do your headstock checks/adjustments first. Headstock to tailstock alignment is secondary to this and depends on the headstock being correct initially, it would be pointless aligning the tailstock to an out-of-line headstock. Secondly, use aluminium (aluminum) for your headstock test piece. The aim when carrying out this task, is to keep machining stresses, deflection, friction etc, to an absolute minimum, so a piece of circa 1.5 - 2 inch with a .010" cut would be good. The lathe looks and sounds, fantastic btw.

[@calibhoffman4705]

I have the pm1236 and I can reliably take .200in in steel I don’t know what it is probably nothing to tough but it’s definitely fun watching them blue chips shoot into the pan

[@dtiydr]

Interesting video, thanks!

[@ilyafilru]

Nice! I love your new shop. I'm building a small workshop at my house. Maybe I'll get a lathe to play with. I've been following your channel for awhile. Keep up the good work!

[@nickrandol9133]

Good video, Adam.

[@life.is.to.short1414]

Good to know. Never aligned a manual lathe yet.

[@Poksutin]

so jealous of the lathe...fantastic little machine

[@richardbrobeck2384]

I was looking at their website that Lathe is very impressive for the price !

[@mfc4591]

Nice chips. Enjoy your precision lathe

[@kaseycoleman993]

Whats the size capacity on the steady rest and the weight capacity of the tail stock? Thanks for the great video's!

[@a.bakker64]

Getting a feel for a new machine. Hoping I will, sometimes 😁. Nice vid Adam.

[@ΓιαννηςΓριζοπουλος]

Good morning from Greece. I am waiting to see test.....heavy test from pacemaker lathe. Best regards John Grizopoulos

[@GEFanuc21t]

Spindle sounds good.

[@OmnieStar]

God I want that lathe so bad lol... Probably not the best idea considering iv never owned a tool bigger then a sledge hammer, Just a few months ago bought my first power drill. XD

[@ctecrwp]

Wishes you make lot's of mess and we enjoy it...👍👍👍

[@sibalogh]

I don`t know how much this machine cost but I envy you for it, Adam.

[@industrialebikes4956]

Figure $20K.

[@catfishgray3696]

GREAT JOB, GREAT VIDEO, SEE YOU NEXT TIME...

[@delalima]

congrats on the cut test

[@bulletproofpepper2]

Sweet!! Thanks for sharing! And a little dark oil cologne.