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Drummond M-Type 3.5-inch metal-turning bench lathe

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Drummond M-Type 3.5-inch metal-turning bench lathe

Home › Forums › Beginners questions › Drummond M-Type 3.5-inch metal-turning bench lathe

Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)
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  • 28 October 2026 at 16:59 #871837
    davidsewell
    Participant
      @davidsewell

      Hi – I am trying to restore a Drummond M-Type 3.5-inch metal-turning bench lathe that I have inherited. Having spent some time cleaning and stripping down I have found that the brass cross thread nut on the lead screw is stripped. Can these be sourced now as would be a shame to scrap or use for spares only. Any guidance appreciated. IMG_2053IMG_2052

      28 October 2026 at 18:04 #871857
      Bazyle
      Participant
        @bazyle

        Looks like an early M or B type before they introduced the single half-nut.
        Is it completely stripped or just very worn? If the latter you can make a new one once the lathe is back together. Otherwise you can make temporary ones in various ways. It may be helpful to join your local model engineering club for assistance and possible use of another lathe.
        https://www.lathes.co.uk/drummond/page6.html

         

        28 October 2026 at 18:08 #871860
        Roderick Jenkins
        Participant
          @roderickjenkins93242

          That looks odd to me.  I would have expected a clasp nut on the lead screw and that thread looks square from here but I may be mistaken.

          Rod

          Edit – having followed Bazyle’s link I see that early M types did not have a rack so the lead screw was constantly engaged.  Getting a Square thread nut will be tricky, I think someone will have to make one for you.

          28 October 2026 at 18:19 #871865
          davidsewell
          Participant
            @davidsewell

            Hi chaps – that was my fear as seems well engineered. The thread would seem to be shot as can slide along threaded bar. Close up if bar attached.

            Any recommendations re who may be able to manufacture – please feel free and thanks for thoughts to date. IMG_2055

            28 October 2026 at 18:21 #871866
            davidsewell
            Participant
              @davidsewell

              As suggested I may seek out a local lathe club in local area to Cheam in Surrey

              28 October 2026 at 18:46 #871868
              Bazyle
              Participant
                @bazyle

                Several clubs nearby, Sutton, Malden, Leatherhead. You can even 3D print a temporary one.
                No need to rush out to get a solution as a load of lathe operations don’t use the leadscrew except to lock the slide position.
                Here is a very simple emergency method to enable light screwcutting. Cut a short sleeve that fits the leadscrew (use the top slide to provide feed for this) with say 5mm  wall thickness. Drill and axial 4mm hole, fit a brass rod with the inner end filed to fit the leadscrew. This is enough to push the carriage along, improve with a second hole at 180 degrees and advanced 1/16in.

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