anybody else having a problem sliding their tail stock smoothly over the bed extension on the PM 3520 or did i get something that was mismatched from the factory? I have been dealing with this for 3 years with countless adjustments.
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PM 3520 bed extension alignment
- Thread starter Walt Samselski
- Start date
Walt,
First I do not have the bed extension on my 35-20. I have a question which you probably may or my not of thought about. Did you loosely snug the mounting bolts, slide the tailstock over so that the locking plate draws up on both the bed and the extension at the same time then tighten the hanger bolts completely?
First I do not have the bed extension on my 35-20. I have a question which you probably may or my not of thought about. Did you loosely snug the mounting bolts, slide the tailstock over so that the locking plate draws up on both the bed and the extension at the same time then tighten the hanger bolts completely?
Walt, I have the 18" extension on my 3520, and haven't had any problems with it since the initial adjustment. However, that initial adjustment was not particularly easy. There was a bit of space in the mounting holes to allow for adjustment up/down a couple millimeters. I got it right by putting a straight level across the transition, and just kept working at it until it was right. I used thread locker on the bolts, but I also snugged them quite tight! I would think that once you adjust it, it should stay, unless the bolts are not tight enough. Just my $0.02.
I agree with Nate. A level or straight edge will get the job done, but it's not the easiest task. More than two hands would be helpful.
I didn't try Jake's idea, but I feel like a dope for not thinking of it. It makes sense.
I didn't try Jake's idea, but I feel like a dope for not thinking of it. It makes sense.
Last edited:
john lucas
AAW Forum Expert
I haven't had any problems with my bed extension. When you install it, put it on and leave the nuts loose. Slide the headstock out so it's partly on the bed and the extension (You could use the tailstock I just installed mine on the headstock end so when I don't need it it's under the motor and kind of out of the way). Lock the headstock down. Now tighten the bolts. that should leave it perfectly aligned.
I have had mine catch when sliding it over the joint. It is usually because I didn't get it lined up right. i have a hydraulic table that helps support the extension while I bolt it up. I then place the tailstock directly over the joint and clamp it down. Check to make sure the tailstock clamp is spanning both the ways when you tighten the tailstock clamp. This will help them get pulled into the same plane.
I agree with John answer