I center drill lots of short dowels. My lathe tail stock is off center enough at the center points (side to side) to see a noticeable angle when inserting hanger bolts as well as being off center. Twisting the tail stock clockwise before clamping mitigates the problem but I am often not consistent in my twisting!

There is not any visible play at the ways. Gluing on extremely thin brass shim stock to the tail stock sides seems like a problem waiting to happen. I am thinking about drilling for brass rod in the sides of the tail stock ways and fine tuning. That way I could replace it if it wears out.

What do you think about this? My tailstock sits flat and there is no twist in the casting. It is a Rikon mni lathe.

Thanks for reading.

Gordon Stump