Craftex CT160 User manual

CT160
HEAVY DUTY BENCH TOP LATHE
User Manual

2
INDEX
General Safety Instructions....................................................................... 3
Specific Safety Instructions ...................................................................... 4
Heavy Duty Bench Top Lathe Features..................................................... 5
Physical Features...................................................................................... 6
Setup......................................................................................................... 7
Un-packing ............................................................................................... 7
Assembly................................................................................................... 8
Adjusting Machine Level............................................................................ 8
Installing the Tool Rest...............................................................................8
Installing the Bed Extension.......................................................................9
Installing/Removing Tailstock Center .........................................................9
Installing/Removing Faceplate ..................................................................10
Installing/Removing Headstock Center......................................................10
Test Run....................................................................................................11
Operations and Adjustments.....................................................................12
Power Switch.............................................................................................12
Changing Spindle Speed...........................................................................12
Tailstock....................................................................................................14
Faceplate...................................................................................................15
Checking Alignment between the Centers.................................................15
Maintenance..............................................................................................15
Trouble Shooting........................................................................................16
Parts Breakdown........................................................................................17
Pars List .............................................................................18, 19, 20, 21, 22
Warranty.....................................................................................................23

3
General Safety Instructions
WARNING: Do not attempt to operate the machine until you have read thoroughly
and have understood completely all instructions, rules and conditions contained in
this manual. Failure to comply can result in accidents involving fire, electric shock,
or serious personal injury.
Know your machine. For your safety,
read the owner’s manual carefully.
Learn its applications and limitations,
as well as specific potential hazards
pertinent to this machine.
Make sure all tools are properly
grounded. If the tool electrical plug
has three prongs, it should be used in
a three hole electrical socket. If three
prongs or two prongs adapter is used,
the adapter plug must be properly
grounded. Do not remove or disable
the third prong.
Keep all the guards in place and in
good working order. If a guard must be
removed for maintenance or cleaning,
make sure it is properly attached
before using the machine again.
Remove adjusting keys and
wrenches. Form a habit of checking
to see that the keys and adjusting
wrenches are removed from the
machine.
Keep your work area clean.
Cluttered areas and workbenches
increase the chance if an accident.
Do not use the machine in dangerous
environments.
Do not use power tools in damp or
wet locations or expose them to rain.
Keep work areas well illuminated.
Keep children away. All visitors
should keep a safe distance from the
work area.
Do not force the machine. It will do
the job better and be safe at the
operating rate for which it is designed.
Do not force the machine or
attachments to do a job for which they
are not designed.
Wear proper apparel. Avoid loose
clothing, gloves, neckties, rings,
bracelets and jewelry which could get
caught in moving parts. Non-slip
footwear is recommended. Wear
protective hair covering to contain long
hair.
Always use safety glasses. Also,
wear a face or dust mask if the
operation area is dusty. Everyday
eyeglasses only have impact resistant
lenses. They are not safety glasses.

4
CT160-10” Heavy Duty Bench Top Lathe
Specific Safety Instructions
Like all power tools and machinery, proper safety and attention must be adhered to.
There is danger associated with using any tool or machine so pay careful attention
each and every time you use your tool. If you are not familiar with the operations of a
lathe, you should obtain the advice and/or instructions from a qualified professional.
Read this operation manual carefully
and understand it before operating the
lathe.
Do not over-reach. Keep proper
footing and balance at all times.
Maintain machine in top condition.
Keep machine clean for best and
safest performance. Follow
instructions for lubrication and
changing accessories.
Disconnect the machine from power
source before servicing, when
changing accessories and when
mounting or remounting motor.
To avoid accidental starting, make
sure the switch is in the OFF position
before plugging in the power cord.
Never leave the machine running
and unattended. Turn the power OFF.
Do not leave the machine until it
comes to a complete stop.
Start and stop the machine
yourself. Do not have anybody help
you do this.
Always wear a face dust mask if
operation creates a lot of sawdust
and/or chips.
Always operate the tools in a well-
ventilated area and provide for proper
dust removal. Use a dust collection
system whenever possible.
Turn OFF then machine before
making any adjustments or servicing.
Do not attempt to measure the work-
piece size while the machine is
running.
Make sure the work-piece is clamped
securely between the centers before
starting the machine.
Only use correct size centers.
After adjusting or servicing the
machine, remember to remove all
wrenches or other tools from the
machine.
Do not use any power tools while
under the effects of drugs, alcohol or
any medication.
IMPORTANT: The safety instructions given above can not be complete because the
environment in every shop is different. Always consider safety first as it applies to your
individual working conditions.

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MODEL CT160-HEAVY DUTY BENCH TOP LATHE
As part of the growing line of Craftex woodworking equipment, we are proud to offer
CT160-Heavy Duty Bench Top Lathe. The Craftex name guarantees Craft Excellence. By
following the instructions and procedures laid out in this owner’s manual, you will receive
years of excellent service and satisfaction. The CT160 is a professional tool and like all
power tools, proper care and safety procedures should be adhered to.
Main Motor Single Phase 1/2 HP, 110V, 60 HZ, 3.8Amps
Speed 1720 RPM
Swing Over Bed 10”(254mm)
Swing Over Tool Rest (Base) 7-1/2”(190mm)
Distance Between Center 15 ½” (394mm)
Tailstock Travel 3 ¼” (83mm)
Spindle Size: 7-51/64” x 1-7/8”
Spindle TPI 1” x 8 TPI
Spindle Taper MT2
Spindle Center 5”(127mm)
Tailstock Taper MT2
Tailstock Center 5”(127mm)
Number of Spindle Speeds 6
Spindle Speed Ranges 480, 1270, 1960, 2730, 3327, 4023 RPM
Bed Width 8-3/16”(208mm)
Faceplate size 3” (76mm)
Bed Construction Cast Iron
Headstock Construction Cast Cast Iron & Steel
Tailstock Construction Cast Cast Iron & Steel
Bearings Shielded and Lubricated
Approx. Weight 106 lbs. (45 Kg)
Heavy Duty Bench
Top Lathe
FEATURES

6
PHYSICAL FEATURES

7
Before starting setting up the machine
you need to read and understand this
user manual completely. For the
protection of your eyes you need to have
safety glasses. The unpainted surfaces of
the lathe are coated with rust prevention
waxy oil and you will want to remove this
before you begin assembly. Use a solvent
cleaner that will not damage painted
surfaces.
Unpacking
The machine is properly packaged in a
carton for safe transportation. When
unpacking, carefully inspect the crate and
ensure that nothing has been damaged
during transit. Open the crate and check
that the machine is in a good condition.
There is a bag which contains some loose
parts of the machine. After the machine
has been un-packed, check that all loose
parts shown in Figure-1 are present.
1. Tool Rest
2. Tailstock Center (Live Center)
3. Headstock Center (Dead Center)
4. Center Knock-Out Bar
Figure-1 Loose parts
CT160 weighs approximately 106 lbs.
Do not over-exert yourself. For safe
moving method use fork truck or get
the help of an assistant or friend.
When setting up your machine, you will
want to find an ideal spot where your
machine will most likely be positioned
most of the time. Consider your
complete work environment as well as
working comfortable with the lathe
before placing your machine in the
ideal spot. The figure below shows
minimum workplace for the lathe.
SETUP

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The lathe should be mounted on a
workbench with proper height. The
workbench must be rigid and flat enough
to support the weight of the lathe. Make
sure the lathe is mounted firmly on the
workbench, otherwise clatter problems
will occur while operation.
Before you start assembling the machine
you need to level the machine using the
four leveling feet.
Adjusting Machine Leveling
Always note that if the lathe is not leveled
properly it may cause bed twisting. A
slight bed twisting will cause centers to be
out of alignment and also inaccurate
turning.
Level the machine by turning the four
leveling screws, located at the four
corners of the bed. Loosen the nut by
using a wrench before adjusting leveling
screw, turn the leveling screw manually
until proper leveling is achieved. Tighten
the nut after leveling adjustment.
Figure-2 Leveling screw and nut
Installing the Tool Rest
Locate the hole on the tool base and
thread the lock handle into the hole. See
Figure-3
Figure-3 Tool rest lock handle installed
Now, insert the tool rest and turn the
release lever to lock the tool rest. See
Figure-4
Figure-4 Tool rest Installed
Whenever you want to move the tool rest
base, simply untighten the release lever
and move tool rest base where you want
and tighten back the release lever.
ASSEMBLY

9
Installing the Bed Extension
The bed extension is supplied as optional
equipment (MODEL# CT160EXT). The
mini lathe has been factory drilled with
two holes at the end of the bed for
installing the bed extension. See Figure-5
Figure-5 Bed Installing Extension Holes
To install the bed extension, align the two
holes on the bed extension with the two
holes on the bed end. Tighten the bed
extension with two M8 screws.
It is necessary to make leveling
adjustment between the maintain bed and
the bed extension by using a straight
edge guide.
Installing / Removing Tailstock
Center
The tailstock quill has a taper hole into
which the tailstock center fits. Fit the
tailstock center firmly by hand. Clean the
tailstock center shank and the tailstock
quill hole before fitting.
To remove the tailstock center from the
tailstock quill, simply turn the quill
movement hand-wheel until the quill end
is nearly inside the tailstock. Then loosen
the quill fix lever and you can move the
quill in or out. See Figure-7
Figure-7 Installing / Removing tailstock
ASSEMBLY
Warning: Disconnect the machine
from the power source before mounting
and removing headstock center.

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Installing / Removing Faceplate
First, disconnect the machine from the
power source and remove the headstock
center. Attach the faceplate to the
headstock spindle with the help of threads
on it. Now, use knock-out bar and tighten
the faceplate as shown in the in Figure-8
Figure-8 Installing the faceplate
When you want to remove the faceplate,
simply do the above procedure in reverse.
Installing / Removing Headstock
Center
The headstock spindle is designed with a
taper hole into which the headstock
center fits. Fit the headstock center firmly
by hand. Clean the headstock center
shank and spindle hole before fitting.
Removing the headstock center is done
by simply knocking it out, using the
supplied knock-out bar. When knocking
out the center, hold it by hand to prevent it
dropping down. See Figure-9
Figure-9 Knocking out the headstock with
the help of knock-out bar
ASSEMBLY
Warning: Disconnect the machine
from the power source before mounting
and removing parts.

11
TEST RUN
Once you have assembled your machine
completely, it is time for a test run to
make sure that the machine works
properly and is ready for operation.
Take a careful look in and around your
machine before turning it on to ensure
everything is in place, all screws and
knobs are securely fastened and all
controls are working properly.
Connect your machine to the correct
power source and turn the power switch
ON.
During the test run the machine should
run smoothly and create very little noise
or vibration. If there is an unusual noise
coming from the machine or the machine
vibrates a lot, turn the machine OFF right
away and inspect the problem.
Before turning the machine on, make
sure you are wearing your safety
glasses and anyone around you is also
wearing safety glasses.
IMPORTANT
Before a test run make sure that you
have read and understood the manual
and you are familiar with the functions
and safety features on this machine.
IMPORTANT
Do not make any adjustments when
the machine is running. Failure to
follow this warning can cause a serious
personal injury.

12
Power Switch (ON / OFF)
This lathe is equipped with a rocker type
paddle switch to start and stop the lathe,
located at the front side of the bed. The
switch has a removable locking key to
prevent unauthorized operation. If the
lathe is not in use for long time, remove
the locking key by pulling it put out and
store it in a safe place.
To start the lathe, insert the locking key
and shift the switch to the left. To stop the
lathe, shift the switch to the right. See
Figure-10
Figure-10 Power Switch (ON / OFF)
Changing the Spindle Speed
The CT160 Heavy Duty Bench Top Lathe
features 6 spindle speed changes: 500,
1270, 1960, 2730, 23320 and 4020 rpm.
The turning speed of the lathe is varied
with the work-piece diameter to be turned.
When turning a smaller diameter of work-
piece, a higher spindle speed is
recommended. However, proper selection
of spindle speed for the work-piece is
made by the operator’s experience.
Figure-11 CT160 Heavy Duty Spindle
Speed Changes
OPERATIONS & ADJUSTMENTS

13
Change spindle speed according to the
following procedures:
1. Turn OFF the power switch (key
switch), and remove the key to avoid
unauthorized starting of the lathe.
2. Open the V-belt guard located in the
headstock. Loosen the guard lock lever.
Figure-12 Removing the V-belt guard
3. Loosen the belt tension lock knob
before shifting the belt tension adjustment
lever and tighten it securely after
adjustment.
4. Release the V-belt tension by shifting
the belt tension fix lever, located under
the bed.
Figure-13 Adjusting the V-belt tension
5. Place the V-belt to a new position on
the pulley. At the same time, turn the
headstock fly wheel to facilitate changing
of the belt position.
Figure-14 V-belt tension changed
6. Make sure the V-belt tension is
properly installed in case its position has
been changed.
7. Reverse above procedures to return
the lathe to its original condition.
OPERATIONS & ADJUSTMENTS

14
Adjusting Carriage and Tool Rest
The carriage can be moved along the bed
slide-ways. Loosen the carriage fix lever
before adjusting the carriage position.
Tighten the fix lever securely after
adjustment.
The tool rest should be adjusted so that
its top is 3/16” (suggested below) above
the centers. Loosen the tool rest lock
lever before adjusting tool rest position.
Tighten the lock lever securely after
adjustment.
Figure-15 Adjusting Carriage & Tool Rest
on the Bed
Moving Tailstock Quill In and Out
The tailstock quill can be moved in and
out of the tailstock casting by turning the
tailstock quill movement hand-wheel.
Loosen the quill lock lever before turning
the hand-wheel. Tighten it securely after
the quill has been moved to a proper
position.
Tailstock
The tailstock is used to support the other
end of the work-piece to be turned on the
lathe. The tailstock can be moved along
the bed slide ways. Before moving the
tailstock, loosen the tailstock lock lever.
Move the tailstock by hand to a desired
position, and then tighten the tailstock fix
lever securely.
Figure-16 Tailstock and its components
OPERATIONS & ADJUSTMENTS
Note:
Lubricate the bed slide-ways before
moving the tailstock.

15
Faceplate
This lathe is furnished with a face plate in
case the work-piece to be turned and can
not be clamped between the headstock
center and the tailstock center.
The faceplate has been drilled with four
holes for clamping the work-piece.
Figure-17 Showing faceplate attached to
the lathe
To install the faceplate to the headstock
please see Page-10.
Checking Alignment between the
Centers
The center alignment has been adjusted
properly in the factory before the machine
is shipped to you. However, after lengthy
operation, the centers may be out of
alignment. At this time center alignment
needs to be done. To do this, loosen the
four screws that tighten the headstock to
the bed. Slightly adjust the headstock
position to adjust center alignment. See
Figure-18
Figure-18 Headstock and tailstock centers
aligned
MAINTENANCE
1. Everyday after use, remove chips from
the machine and clean it. Apply oil on the
sliding surfaces.
2. Everyday after use, turn OFF the
power switch and remove the switch key.
3. A build up of dust in the motor can
cause motor damage. Periodic cleaning of
the motor is not only recommended, but
mandatory for normal wood lathe
performance.
OPERATIONS & ADJUSTMENTS
Warning: Disconnect the machine
from the power source before
mounting, removing or making any
adjustments.

16
PROBLEM CAUSES CORRECTION
CUTTING TOOL
VIBRATION
1. Work-piece is not clamped
firmly.
1. Clamp it firmly.
POOR
MACHINE ACCURACY
1. Work-piece is clamped
incorrectly.
2. Tailstock center and
headstock center is out of
alignment.
3. Machine leveling loss.
1. Check balance.
2. Adjust center
Alignment.
3. Check machine
leveling periodically.
MOTOR DOES NOT RUN
WHEN POWER WITCH IS
TURNED ON
1. Switch is burnt out.
2. Connection wire is loose or
damaged.
1.Replace the switch.
2.Tighten or replace wire.
MOTOR DOES NOT RUN
AT A FULL SPEED
1. Power voltage is too low.
2. Motor is damaged.
1. Test voltage.
2. Check and repair
motor.
MOTOR DOES NOT REACH
FULL SPEED
1. Incorrect power wiring.
2. Overloaded.
1. Replace with correctly
sized power wiring.
2. Reduce load.
MOTOR OVERHEATING
1. Motor is dirty.
2. Motor is damaged.
1. Clean motor.
2. Check and repair
motor.
TROUBLESHOOTING

17
CT160- HEAVY DUTY BENCH TOP LATHE
PARTS BREAKDOWN

18
CT160- HEAVY DUTY BENCH TOP LATHE
PARTS LIST

19
CT160- HEAVY DUTY BENCH TOP LATHE
PARTS LIST

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CT160- HEAVY DUTY BENCH TOP LATHE
PARTS LIST