Owner’s manual
What are the five parts of the lathe machine?
On a lathe like the Craftsman 351249520, the five core parts we rely on are the bed, headstock, tailstock, carriage (tool rest assembly), and the drive/spindle system; together they support the workpiece, spin it, and let you guide a cutting tool safely and accurately. For model-specific setup and safety rules, use the 351249520 owner's manual.
The 5 main parts and what they do
- Bed: The rigid base with ways that keeps the headstock and tailstock aligned.
- Headstock: Houses the main drive components and supports the spindle.
- Spindle (drive system): Rotates the workpiece; speed selection and smooth rotation are critical for safe turning.
- Tailstock: Supports the free end of the workpiece for between-centers turning; it must be tightened before power-on.
- Carriage / tool rest assembly: Positions the cutting tool at the correct height and distance from the spindle centerline.
Quick reference table
| Part | Primary job | Common adjustment/check |
|---|---|---|
| Bed | Alignment and rigidity | Keep ways clean; verify components slide smoothly |
| Headstock | Power transmission | Confirm guards and mounting are secure |
| Spindle/drive | Spins the stock | Start at lowest speed; check for wobble |
| Tailstock | Workpiece support | Tighten clamps; verify clearance by hand-rotating |
| Tool rest assembly | Tool control and height | Set tool about 1/8 inch above spindle; lock handles |
Why it matters for safe, accurate turning
When these five parts are aligned and locked down, you reduce vibration, chatter, and the chance of the workpiece coming loose. Our manual guidance for this Craftsman copy crafter style setup also emphasizes tightening clamps and checking clearance by rotating the workpiece by hand before starting.
Practical tips we use before turning
- Unplug the lathe before inspecting or adjusting anything.
- Tighten the tailstock and any clamps/fixtures before applying power.
- Hand-rotate the workpiece with the switch off to confirm clearance.
- Start at the lowest speed to verify the workpiece is secure.
- Keep cutting tools sharp to reduce chatter and vibration.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the parts of the carriage in a lathe machine?
On the Craftsman copy crafter (model 351249520), the carriage is the moving assembly that rides on the rails/bed tube and supports the cutting tool and follower system so the machine can duplicate a spindle or template. In general lathe terms, “carriage” also includes the saddle, apron, and tool-holding slides.
Carriage parts you will commonly see
On a traditional metal lathe, the carriage assembly is typically made up of:
- Saddle (rides on the bed ways)
- Apron (front housing with feed mechanisms)
- Cross slide and cross slide handwheel
- Compound rest and compound handwheel
- Toolpost (holds the cutting tool)
- Carriage handwheel (manual travel)
- Half-nut lever (engages leadscrew for threading)
What the 351249520 “carriage” includes (copy crafter context)
Your Craftsman 351249520 copy crafter uses a cast aluminum carriage and related hardware to support the tool holder and follower while it rides on parallel rails/bed tube. The manual’s parts list and assembly steps call out items such as:
- Carriage support (mounts to the carriage and guides)
- Guide rods (upper and lower) and guide roller/key (for smooth travel)
- Guide pin and follower assembly (tracks the pattern/template)
- Follower arm and follower bearing
- Tool holder and cutting tool
For the exact names and how these pieces fit together on your unit, use the exploded view and instructions in the owner's manual.
Quick comparison: “lathe carriage” vs “copy crafter carriage”
| Assembly | Main job | Typical parts included |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional lathe carriage | Moves the cutting tool along the work | Saddle, apron, cross slide, compound, toolpost |
| Copy crafter carriage (351249520) | Moves tool and follower to duplicate a pattern | Carriage support, guide rods/roller, follower assembly, tool holder |
Why it matters
Knowing which “carriage” you mean helps you order the right replacement parts and troubleshoot issues like binding travel, poor pattern tracking, or inconsistent cuts. Carriage problems usually trace back to guide alignment, loose set screws, or worn follower components.
Last updated: February 2026
Where can I buy Craftsman replacement parts?
You can buy replacement parts for your Craftsman 351249520 copy crafter directly through Sears PartsDirect by searching the model number and matching the part to the parts list in the owner's manual. This is the most reliable way to get the correct fit for older tools.
Best way to get the right part for model 351249520
We recommend using the parts illustration and parts list to identify the exact component before ordering.
- Find the part in the exploded-view diagram (key number)
- Match that key number to the parts list (part number and description)
- Confirm the part name matches what you see on the tool (carriage, bushing, follower assembly, etc.)
- Check whether you need related hardware (washers, set screws, springs)
- Record what you replace in the service record section for future reference
Common parts you may see listed for this copy crafter
The manual’s replacement parts section typically includes items like these (names vary by diagram):
| Part type | What it does | When you replace it |
|---|---|---|
| Follower assembly / follower bearing | Tracks the original/template | Poor copying accuracy, rough tracking |
| Springs and set screws | Maintain tension and alignment | Slipping, inconsistent pressure |
| Carriage and bushings | Support smooth travel | Binding, wobble, uneven movement |
Why it matters
Copy crafters and lathes are sensitive to alignment and tension. Ordering by model number and diagram key helps prevent mismatched hardware and saves time during assembly and adjustment.
Last updated: February 2026
