TAILSTOCK

CNC Rotary Table Tailstocks & Optional Accessories 

Efficient machining is only possible with the right accessories and clamping solutions. Our CNC rotary table systems are complemented by a wide range of essential components that enhance performance and flexibility. In addition to manual tailstocks and support tables, we offer various optional accessories to meet diverse application needs, including:Chucks;Servo Motors;Rotary Encoders;Air-Hydraulic Boosters, and more.

These accessories are designed to ensure stable clamping, precise positioning, and smooth rotation during complex operations. Whether for standard tasks or customized production requirements, our tailstocks and accessories provide reliable support and expand the functionality of your CNC rotary setup.

What is a CNC Tailstock?

CNC Tailstock is an auxiliary support device installed on a machine tool, commonly used in conjunction with a indexing head or CNC rotary table. Its primary function is to provide stable support for long workpieces during machining, preventing deformation caused by the workpiece’s own weight or cutting forces, thereby improving machining accuracy and efficiency. On vertical or horizontal machining centers, the tailstock is usually used as an auxiliary support for the rotary table. It helps maintain workpiece stability during keyway cutting, helical groove milling, and multi-face compound machining, making it an essential solution for machining long shafts and complex parts.

Core Advantages of CNC Tailstock:

1.Improved Machining Accuracy

By providing reliable support, the CNC tailstock effectively prevents workpiece deflection, ensuring consistent dimensional accuracy and high surface finish, especially for long or slender workpieces.

2.Enhanced Workpiece Support Rigidity

During turning or milling of long-shaft parts, the tailstock adds a stable support point for the workpiece, significantly improving end-support rigidity and overall machining stability.

3.Extended Tool Life

By reducing tool wear caused by workpiece vibration, the tailstock helps maintain a stable cutting condition, significantly extending tool life and lowering production costs.

4.Support for Diverse Machining Processes

When used in conjunction with a CNC rotary table, the tailstock provides stable support, enabling smooth execution of multi-face machining, keyway milling, helical groove cutting, and other complex operations.

What are the different types of tailstocks?

Tailstocks can be classified into several categories based on their structure, drive method, and application scenario:

Manual Tailstock

Simple in structure, operated by a handwheel to push the quill for center or drill chuck extension.Commonly used on conventional lathes or low-precision machining tasks.Low cost and easy maintenance, but limited in efficiency.

CNC Tailstock

Driven by servo motors or hydraulic systems, capable of automatic positioning and extension.High precision and convenient operation, widely applied in CNC lathes and mill-turn centers.Suitable for mass production and automated machining cycles.

Rotary Table Tailstock

Specifically designed for vertical or horizontal machining centers, usually paired with a rotary table or indexing head.Provides additional support for long workpieces in milling operations such as keyway cutting or helical groove machining.

Custom Tailstock

Tailored for special requirements, such as heavy-duty tailstocks, large center height tailstocks, or specialized fixtures.Widely used in aerospace, energy, and high-end equipment manufacturing.

Manual tailstocks fit low-demand machining, CNC tailstocks suit modern automated production, rotary table tailstocks are crucial for machining centers, while custom tailstocks meet industry-specific requirements.

How to align tailstock on CNC lathe?

Whether the tailstock is aligned with the spindle directly affects the roundness, concentricity, and accuracy of the workpiece. Common alignment methods include:

Dial Indicator Method

Mount a test bar between the spindle and the tailstock center, then place a dial indicator on the bar’s surface.

Slowly rotate the spindle and check runout. Any deviation can be corrected by adjusting the lateral screws of the tailstock.

Test Cut Method

Perform turning on both ends of a long workpiece and measure the diameters.

If a taper appears, it indicates misalignment between the tailstock centerline and spindle centerline, requiring lateral or longitudinal adjustment.

Optical or Laser Alignment (for advanced machines)

High-end CNC machines may use optical or laser tools for tailstock alignment, achieving faster and more accurate results.

Key Point: The tailstock must be perfectly aligned with the spindle centerline. Tolerance is typically within 0.01mm; otherwise, taper errors may occur.

How is a tailstock adjusted and aligned?

Over time, a tailstock may shift due to wear, vibration, or installation errors, so regular adjustment and calibration are necessary. Common procedures include:

Lateral Adjustment

Tailstocks are equipped with lateral adjustment screws to correct deviations from the spindle centerline.Adjustments are made with dial indicators or test cuts until taper errors are eliminated.

Longitudinal Adjustment and Positioning

The tailstock moves along the bed ways and must be clamped accurately in position.For high-precision machining, the movement must be smooth and the clamping secure.

Height Check

The center height of the tailstock must match the spindle center height.This can be checked with a test bar, measuring both ends for any height difference. If errors are found, shimming or scraping corrections are required.

Quill Clearance Adjustment

Over time, the quill may develop clearance or looseness. It should be adjusted or fitted with wear-resistant components to restore accuracy.

Tailstock adjustment is not a one-time operation but a key part of routine machine maintenance. Proper alignment ensures consistent machining accuracy and prevents defective parts.

Why Choose Our CNC Tailstock?

As a professional CNC tailstock manufacturer and supplier, we provide:

High-Precision Manufacturing – Strictly controlled concentricity, ensuring consistency with spindle center height.

Multiple Specifications – Various center heights, strokes, and load capacities to fit different machines.

Flexible Adaptability – Options for fixed centers, live centers, or custom fixtures to meet diverse machining needs.

Durability and Reliability – Made of high-quality alloy steel, offering robust structure and long-term accuracy.

In-Stock Supply & Custom Service – Standard tailstocks available, with non-standard customization supported for special machining requirements.

If you are looking for a CNC tailstock manufacturer or reliable supplier, feel free to contact us. We provide high-quality tailstock products, competitive prices, and professional technical support to help your production reach a higher level.