Tailstock Spindle Travel

[Jdaniel343]

I am still looking at lathes and trying to make a good decision.
What is the minimum that tailstock spindle travel should be.
I would imagine that this is based on the longest cartridge that one would chamber. I there another reason that the tailstock should travel as far as possible?
Thanks

 

[lejarretnoir]

My 13" South Bend travels 4". I think most manual lathes will get you that.

 

[RJM]

not true

JDaniel,
It's not true: "I would imagine that this is based on the longest cartridge that one would chamber."

Do some reading on lathe operation and search the older posts on this forum.

Regards, Ron

 

[Dave Tooley]

Tailstock travel wouldn't be on my list of criteria when choosing a lathe. It is what it is and they lock and unlock to be moved anywhere you want them.

I think I know where you're heading with this and you don't have to worry about it. I slide my tailstock back and forth when I'm chambering. Except on my Hass TL-1, big ungainly thing. I never worry about measuring the headspce until I get down to the last .100". Even then I don't take a measurement until I'm around .050" to go.

Dave