I bought this lathe new in 1999. The tolerences werent too good when it was new, but they are really bad now. The bushing in the gear on the left change gear handle went south first. I ordered a new bushing, which didnt fit, but I made it work. Years later, that handle broke at the hole that the gear shaft rides in. Had to replace the 3 screws that hold the tail stock together 3 or 4 times. The nut that keeps the tail stock locked, constantly comes loose. Tail stock comes out of adjustment constantly. I think the block that does the locking isn't machined close enough to the sides of the ways. Replaced the cross slide gib once. Replaced the cross slide table once. Replaced the motor with a Marathon 2 hp US made motor. On / off switch went out. They had already "upgraded" that switch 2 more times and the current switch they offered did not interchange. I replaced it with a Square D reversing switch. Replaced the standard 3 jaw chuck with a new chuck with reversible jaws. That was a major improvement. Cross slide lead screw and half nut have so much slop in it, it's pathetic. Overall, if I ever buy another new lathe, I will have to do some serious research into quality of the lathe before buying it
That said, I was wondering if anyone has converted the old acme thread lead screw and half nut to a modern ball screw? If so, do you have the particulars on the conversion? What diameter ball screw? What length? Where did ya source the ball screw and ball nut from?
That said, I was wondering if anyone has converted the old acme thread lead screw and half nut to a modern ball screw? If so, do you have the particulars on the conversion? What diameter ball screw? What length? Where did ya source the ball screw and ball nut from?
