Jet lathe parts

[Ghetto Fab.]

I am currently trying to use an old Jet hobby lathe. Its a Jet 818 lathe/mill setup. It looks identical to what Kozo is showing in his shay book. My problem though is that its old and worn out. It needs a few of the plastic gears etc... Does anyone know where I can find parts for this thing?

I am also having an issue with the tailstock not lining up with the headstock. I can adjust it front to back, but it sits too low. When using the centers to adjust it the tailstock center is just too low. I cannot think of anyway to shim or adjust it up. Any thoughts?

Kevo

[Bill Holland]

Ebay would be the first place to look, good luck though.
The tailstock is easy to fix though. It is a 2 piece tailstock right? the upper part sits on the lower part that rides on the ways?
Should be that way anyhow if you can adjust sideways. Simply take the tail stock halves apart, and buy a Feeler guage set. Use the feelers as shim stock, and simply shim the tailstock up higher. I had to use a .020 shim on the my South Bends tailstock.
put a pointy dead center in the tailstock, and turn a point on a piece of stock in the 3 jaw chuck. Put a 6 inch steel rule inbetween and sandwich it together. The ruler will show you if the tailstock is too high, too low, to the right or left too much. Do this test with the tailstock ram in all the way, and out all the way. You should have little problem visualizing in your head how the tailstock is off. Just shim as necessary.

[Ghetto Fab.]

Good idea Bill. I must have been thinking too hard about it! I'll try that and the ruler idea this weekend if I don't go wheeling. It seems like half this hobby is just fixing the equipment.

Kevo