27-000 Tailstock Alignment Bar – 12” Lathe Alignment Test Bar - Precision Ground Hardened Steel Ends - 0.0002" Accuracy, Aligns Tailstock to Headstock

The price can't be beat. I am not a trained machinist and even I was able to use this (with the help of a few YT videos) to align the tailstock on my Dad's lathe. What a difference, and I'm back in business after a frustrating few months.

great tool, finally pointed me to the problem being in the tailstock not having a repeatable clamp position

Picked up this bar to see how far out of alignment my metal lathe was as I was getting a measurable taper on longer items. The bar is well packed with grease and wrapping paper on the ends to protect from corrosion. Setup and configuration is super easy. To calibrate a dial indicator and stand will be required - something that any tools shop should have.

Simple way to align the tailstock ACCURATELY. My lathe is an old Atlas/ Craftsman my Dad bought when I was a kid. (i'm 88 now) . I'm not a professional machinest, I was a mechanic. I've always checked tailstock alignment using various home-brew methods, but was never sure. I was pretty sure how to use this device, but reading the directions confirmed how it was to be used. At 1st check, I was out about .003". After adjusting the tailstockto .000" using this devise, I checked again, repositioning the headstock & tailstock centers a few times & I never got more than .0005" variation. Pretty darn good for an old budget machine. This tool made it easy.

works as intended

Packed super well, despite Amazon's attempt to destroy the box. Worked out real nice to center my tailstock. Highly reccomended!!

It was well made and easy to use. Once it was installed I was able to quickly align my lathes tailstock. Now when I'm turning a piece on my lathe there's no longer a taper in the turned piece.

This alignment bar is convenient for sure, but the claim to be 0.0001 accurate is just wrong. After getting my tailstock to about 0.0005 with test cuts, I put the edge bar in and it showed 0.0025 runout on the ends. I scratched my head for a minute, then adjusted tailstock based on the edge bar. I took the edge bar out and made a few more cuts and I’m getting 0.002 taper over 12”. Went back to the test cut method which has served me well for years. I talked to edge and they said it was normal and I suggested they change their advertisement so they don’t mislead customers. The only good thing about this alignment bar is that it’s fast and easy to use, but the one I got was not nearly accurate enough for my work.