Great idea! That's why I ask questions here even if I think I've got a good planI would probably put a screw near the top of the T nut into follower to eliminate the possibility that the T nut will tip a little as the mounting bolt is tightened.
I'm pretty sure it's cast iron. I'm a pretty good welder, even on cast iron, but the warping would be a concern and I think it would take more time overall to go that route.
Is the base of the follower cast iron or just steel? If steel could you weld some material to extend the base? Obviously one would need to consider warping. Or braze material? Then fill holes and redrill at the correct spacing?
Said glue stick mechanic never welded before... Things warp due to the uneven heating. It's all about managing or minimizing the movement. I've not quite mastered that, but at least I'm getting a little better at it. Long ago I welded on an extension to my welding table and watched it move upwards more than a 1/4", due to the way I had welded it. Oops.I was assured by a certified glue-stick mechanic that this does not happen, though my experience differs.
However on this type of job I doubt it would matter.
I like the theory, but I think it would move the follower fingers too far from where they need to be. I think the compound would interfere with the top of the follower if put the follower slightly behind the bolts and the fingers too far forward of the cutter if I put it slightly in front of the holes.Side by side or next to...
Instead of trying to extend the length, make a new piece that bolts to the existing holes in carriage.
Piece must be somewhat narrow, holes offset to allow room for the follow rest to sit next to it.
Drill holes sideways to cross bolt together
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Claimed to be a certified welder.Said glue stick mechanic never welded before... Things warp due to the uneven heating. It's all about managing or minimizing the movement. I've not quite mastered that, but at least I'm getting a little better at it. Long ago I welded on an extension to my welding table and watched it move upwards more than a 1/4", due to the way I had welded it. Oops.