Tail stock for a long vertically suspended workpiece that will experience heat expansion
A method of supporting a rotating member of a tailstock includes rotating a rotating member coupled to a workpiece support slidably mounted in a housing of the tailstock, causing the rotating member to shift along a longitudinal axis in a first direction, and measuring an amount of vertical displacement of the rotating member.
1. A method of supporting a rotating member of a tailstock comprising:
rotating a rotating member coupled to a workpiece support slidably mounted in a housing of the tailstock;
causing the rotating member to shift along a longitudinal axis in a first direction; and
measuring, during operation, an amount of displacement of the rotating member along the longitudinal axis with a displacement sensor.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein measuring the amount of vertical displacement includes detecting a change in position of the workpiece support.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein measuring the amount of vertical displacement includes directing a laser displacement sensor mounted to the housing at a target mounted to the workpiece support.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein causing the rotating member to shift includes moving the workpiece support through a linear bearing.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein causing the rotating member to shift includes moving a shield member coupled to the rotating member and extending about a first portion of the workpiece support over a stationary housing extending about a second portion of the workpiece support.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein causing the rotating member to shift includes processing the workpiece.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein biasing the rotating member includes compressing a spring extending about the workpiece support.
8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: biasing the rotating member along the vertical axis toward a second direction opposite the first direction.