Lathe Cross Slide Problem

[PixMan]

Ed, you should have the screw and nut either today or tomorrow. Sent out via USPS Priority Mail in a long triangular box on 5/19.

Let me know what you think when you get it. Of course you'll have to add the tapped mounting holes, locate them using a transfer punch or other accurate method. If you have a form tap that would give you the strongest thread in bronze, though you would have to be very careful with hole size.

[EdK]

(05-21-2014, 09:33 AM)PixMan Wrote: Ed, you should have the screw and nut either today or tomorrow. Sent out via USPS Priority Mail in a long triangular box on 5/19.

Let me know what you think when you get it. Of course you'll have to add the tapped mounting holes, locate them using a transfer punch or other accurate method. If you have a form tap that would give you the strongest thread in bronze, though you would have to be very careful with hole size.

Thanks Ken. I'll watch for it. I don't have any form taps. Maybe I should pick one up.
I don't want to screw this up.

Ed

[PixMan]

Wish I knew that, I could have sent you one of mine. Oh well.

[EdK]

(05-21-2014, 01:24 PM)PixMan Wrote: Wish I knew that, I could have sent you one of mine. Oh well.

Not a problem Ken. I'll just use a new, unused thread cutting tap.

Ed

[EdK]

Well, lookie what was waiting for me when I got home from work.

Very nice Ken! It's a vast improvement over my old leadscrew and nut. I ran the leadscrew through the nut and it did bind a bit in places but it also cleaned out some stuff that looked like cardboard fibers from the shipping tube. I cleaned that off and ran the leadscrew through the nut again and the binding was very minimal and it felt almost as smooth as butter. I'm sure it will wear in nice and smooth. Hopefully I won't screw it all up drilling and tapping for the mounting screws. Although, I probably won't do any worse than the original. But then again.
I know what I'll be doing this coming three day weekend since they're forecasting rain on Sunday and Monday.

Thanks so much Ken!

Ed

Old leadscrew on top.

       

[PixMan]

My pleasure to be of help, Ed!

At final installation, be sure to lube it up with way lube or a good grease (as you prefer), because I didn't think to add any port for a lubrication fitting and I don't know if you lathe has a central lube system or not. If not, perhaps add a flush fitting such as the little round ones on this page:

http://www.mcmaster.com/#zerk-grease-fittings/=s2f7go

[EdK]

(05-21-2014, 05:44 PM)PixMan Wrote: My pleasure to be of help, Ed!

At final installation, be sure to lube it up with way lube or a good grease (as you prefer), because I didn't think to add any port for a lubrication fitting and I don't know if you lathe has a central lube system or not. If not, perhaps add a flush fitting such as the little round ones on this page:

http://www.mcmaster.com/#zerk-grease-fittings/=s2f7go

Ken,

I use Mobile #2 way oil on the leadscrew, and most other areas of the lathe, and there's one Gitz oiler on the cross slide toward the front but I'm going to add another one towards the rear. I bought a few from McMaster when I added one to the compound slide which didn't have any.

Ed

[PixMan]

Ed,

I meant to ask you if the M12 thread fit the mating part. I had nothing to gauge the thread other than my Polish thread micrometer, so I pray the nut you have fits OK!

Also, I wanted to get a snug fit as it'll only get looser with use, and its best to have a snug fit so the cross slide doesn't back off while cutting. Some lathes have a poorly balanced dial (one big handle, no offsetting weight), and I've seen those move with chatter or interrupted cuts.

You should find it smooth and easy to turn when assembled with the dial on it.

Lastly, I suggest that for the center adjustment set screw, grind a drill point (tap drill size) to match the cone point set screw and reach through the hole and create a "landing spot" for the cone point at the cut for backlash adjustment in the bronze nut.

[EdK]

Ken,

I'll check the fit of the M12 nuts this evening when I get home from work. There are 2 M12 jam nuts to lock the setting in place.
Thanks for the tip on "landing spot". I would have never thought of doing that.

Ed

[EdK]

The nuts fit the M12 thread really nice Ken. No slop at all. Great job!

Ed