Damaged Sheldon compound

[SLK001]

It doesn't look like the compound has seen many crashes. I would surmise that the device that needed the grub screws tightened down so hard as to deface the top surface is the culprit (well, the grub screws anyway).

If you have a mill, grab some steel stock (or cast iron, if you can afford it) and make yourself a new compound. Except for the dovetails, it doesn't look all that complicated.

 

[mmcmdl]

Not sure if a Hardinge cross slide and compound would work out , but I have a unit here to load onto fleapay . Worked great when I had the DSM 59 which is gone .

 

[WesPete66]

Put a fork in it, it’s done

OK, well said sir!
For sure a solid plinth has already been on my mind for this lathe. I guess I'll move ahead on that. Then maybe start thinking about building a new compound (I keep hearing how scarce Sheldon parts are).
Short term, I need to limp onward with a damaged compound. The center core of the part, along the dovetail slides, is much thicker than on the sides where the cracks are, so I don't see any risk of the end actually separating at any time. What I did do is, supporting one side at a time, used the press to apply force locally to the distorted area. And voila, that t-nut slides beautifully through the slot! And the deflection on the end is less now too, so win, win.. Not perfect, but better. Now to study up on building a replacement.
Thanks everybody!