Lathe dial indicator on x axis Media

Just a quick vid to show one of the ways that I was testing backlash on the X axis, and how repeatable the lathe was after a lot of quick movements. Using the dial indicator like positioned like that is also an easy way to visually see backlash, just jog the axis 0.001" in one direction, then 0.001" in the other direction. In stock form you'll have to go about 0.004" before the needle will move again. Adjust backlash comp numbers until it actually does what you tell it to. Hossmachine has a great video describing the proper backlash settings to use for Mach3, they work great. Mine are out about 0.002-0.004".