Millwright Level 1 Practice Exam

How is the tailstock positioned on the ways of the lathe?

1. Using the tailstock lever

2. With the tailstock clamp

3. Through the headstock motor

4. By adjusting the tailstock screw

The correct answer is: With the tailstock clamp

The tailstock on a lathe is positioned along the ways by using the tailstock clamp. This clamp allows the operator to secure the tailstock in place at a desired position, ensuring stability while machining operations are performed. Proper positioning is essential for accurate workpieces, as it allows the tailstock to support the workpiece or tool as needed. The tailstock typically has a sliding mechanism that fits along the ways of the lathe, and the clamp tightens to hold it securely in position. When the operator wishes to reposition the tailstock, they would loosen the clamp, slide it to the preferred location, and then re-tighten the clamp to hold it there. Other methods listed, such as using the tailstock lever or adjusting the tailstock screw, pertain to different actions, like adjusting the position of the tailstock's spindle or for finer adjustments, not the initial positioning along the ways. Adjustments through the headstock motor are not related to the positioning of the tailstock but are more aligned with driving the lathe's spindle for rotation.