Cross slide half nuts for 7x12

[PixMan]

Well, no question about the problem! It needs a new tabbed bearing washer.

I took it apart and found the tab that should go into the keyway on the shaft has been broken off, and according the parts manual (and common sense) that washer should be against the thrust bearing behind the nut and no need for a second nut. When I had replaced the cross slide screw and nut assembly shortly after receiving the machine, I did a foolish thing and just put it back the way I found it. Duh. I won't do that again!



I also took the time to really go over the machine and lubricate the ways and everything else. Moving the carriage had become difficult because the central way lube system isn't working the way it should. I will have to tear into the carriage to see what it needs. Normally, cranking the carriage back and forth actuates a cam-driven oiler pump, and the way lube is drawn from the sump of the apron part of the carriage where the way lube reservoir acts as lubricant for all the bearing inside the carriage.

A project for another time. A liberal manual application of way lube directly to the ways and the cross slide screw will have to suffice for now.