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AGeckoCan
3rd May 2020, 09:56 AM
Hi guys,
I seem to have a bit of play in the feed on the cross slide,
It moves back and forth about 1/4 of a turn b4 engaging.
This isn't a huge problem for me when I am turning as I'm a beginner and don't know any better lol
But when I use a milling attachment it allows the stock to shudder badly.
Is there a way of adjusting the play in the cross slide? or do I have to replace the cross feed screw and nut?

Any Advice is appreciated

nigelpearson
3rd May 2020, 10:24 AM
Replacing parts is the best fix, but here are some crazy ideas (hacks?):





Thick grease in the feed screw & nut.
Clamp the cross slide in position.
(depending on what sort of milling operation you are doing.
You might need to turn the job around)
Put a large spring on the slide.
(say, clamp on the back of the slide, pulling toward the bed,
or in the front, pushing away from the feed handle)

morrisman
3rd May 2020, 04:36 PM
its a very common problem, most older lathes have some wear in the cross feed screw and nut, its usually a bronze nut . The screw wears away at the centre section where its used the most. Replacing the nut only fixes half of the problem. You can buy a length of new cross screw and fit it into the handle , its a ACME thread form from memory . In some cases it is possible to make a new nut from a modern synthetic material, its been written up on various web sites , you use a heat gun and melt the material onto the screw for a perfect fit.

morrisman
3rd May 2020, 10:37 PM
Another method https://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/south-bend-lathes/how-take-backlash-out-your-9-crossfeed-189062/

AGeckoCan
5th May 2020, 08:48 AM
Another method https://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/south-bend-lathes/how-take-backlash-out-your-9-crossfeed-189062/


very informative thread, thanks for the share