ML7 Leadscrews/nuts Still Available?

[Peter Low 4Participant @peterlow4]

Thanks that is encouraging.

[Dr_GMJNParticipant @dr_gmjn]

I’ve got a pair of ‘brass’ nuts ordered, £25 delivered. So we will see what happens. I believe the person who is making them for me is experienced and will do a good job, based on their comments and images of their work. Feedback from other people who have used them is positive.

[HopperParticipant @hopper]

Posted by Peter Low 4 on 19/02/2021 16:16:34:

So I ordered one and it arrived today and it fits and seems Ok. The scew action is a little stiff but I'm hoping this will be as i, running in a stiff engine.

One thing you might need to do is set the alignment between the new feed nut and the cross slide end bracket (the bracket that holds the end of the feed screw, the dial and the handle etc.

Slacken off the two Allen screws that hold the cross slide end bracket in place. Wind the cross slide all the way in until the cross slide bracket comes up against the feedscrew nut. Then turn the handle back a 1/8 of a turn or so. Then tighten up those two Allen screws so the cross slide bracket is held in position. This locks the bracket in the correct position with the outer feedscrew support bearing in line with the feed nut.

So, theoretically, the feed screw is held in line with the thread in the nut and all screws in and out nice and freely without binding.

A bit of graphite or moly grease or similar on the feedscrew helps too. ON the Myford the screw is hidden away from swarf so it wont stick to the grease.

[Dr_GMJNParticipant @dr_gmjn]

Bit O/T but what’s the recommended lubricant for the gears? I’ve been using hydraulic oil or slideway oil (whichever I happen to have in my hand at the time I remember to oil them). I’ve been reluctant to use grease because it forms a horrible mess.

[HopperParticipant @hopper]

Posted by Dr_GMJN on 21/02/2021 08:45:26:

Bit O/T but what’s the recommended lubricant for the gears? I’ve been using hydraulic oil or slideway oil (whichever I happen to have in my hand at the time I remember to oil them). I’ve been reluctant to use grease because it forms a horrible mess.

The absolute best lube I've found for the back gears and change gears is spray-can motorcycle chain lube. Use the colourless roadbike formula, not the nasty black graphite dirt bike formula. Spray it on when you finish using the lathe and let it sit there and go tacky and dry until next time you use the machine. Stuff sticks like the proverbial to a blanket and is made for extreme pressure applications so perfectly suited. And it is designed to not stick road grit to the chain so likewise does a good job of not sticking swarf particles to the gears.

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