Mellor Lathe - Tool Post Lead Screw Repair (part one).

[@alibarryreynolds7215]

Hi, I have been following your exploits with your Mellor lathe with interest. I too own a circa 1941 Mellor but mine is the turret version. I am interested to know how you faired with the cross slide nut repair and specifically what the trapezoidal thread size is. I have the same problem but have “fixed” the backlash by adding a spring loaded ball bearing into the thread to minimise the slap. Looking forward to seeing part two. Keep up the great content

[@Madeinwem]

Hi and thanks for your support and kind comments. I’m still working on part two to the backlash problem, and I think that I may have a solution. The leadscrew size is a problem! It is not a standard size, and I have not found a match. I have bought a T14x3 leadscrew with a nut. But they are right hand threads which means the handle rotation is reversed. I am not too concerned about that, but I can see others may not like it. But my first trial is to make a new leadscrew nut. (I’m calling it my ‘Frankenstein Leadscrew Nut’). I hope to publish that one soon. I’d like to see how you tackled the backlash issue?

[@alibarryreynolds7215]

Hi, I went down a similar path modifying the thread and nut from a scissor jack unfortunately like your experience the thread was in the opposite direction. Plan B, I then drilled and part tapped a hole into the original brass nut so it exited between threads. I then measured and found a ball bearing that would sit about a third into the thread of the cross slide screw to take up the slack and put a spring behind that secured in with a grub screw. I then adjusted the gib strip to take out any play with the cross slide. It is a bit of a botch but it has held up well for the last six months while I find a better solution (or a better lathe) I will say however, I really like this lathe as it is far from perfect but it has served me well. You may find a serial number on yours on the end of the flat slide way which may give you a better idea of . Also on the back of cross slide thread there should be a finger nut that when locked in pushes a tapered spacer into place allowing auto feed on your cross slide. I saw you were removing the rear cover but did not see the finger nut. Hope this helps

[@dimitrisavlonitis1504]

You look more tan than your past videos. lol

[@Madeinwem]

Thanks for noticing. I've been on holiday to Corfu.

[@TheTacktishion]

Your "fix" unfortunately limits the amount of travel for the crossfeed...! To fix that right you need to replace you nut and lead screw. If your going fix it fix it right... !

[@dimitrisavlonitis1504]

The title of the video says "repair" not replacement, lets wait for part 2 and then you can judge.

[@Madeinwem]

That is not correct. The travel is not affected because of the length of the compound tool post. Also, it is almost impossible to get a replacement part for an 83 year old Mellor Lathe.