Let me give you guys one more boring update on the newly acquired SBL 13. I am just excited about the fact that even for its age, I can find parts for it.
I bought the compound and cross slide nuts from eBay, both for less than a hundred. Last night I installed the compound nut. I was rather surprised of right the fit was with the old lead screw, so I just re-assembled the unit.
This morning a buddy of mine a stopped by for a visit and we end up installimg then croas slide nut. The original plan was for Ken to machine a screw to fit the nut, after test fitting the nut to the old screw, and the fit was just like the compound, I decided to re-assemble the cross slide.
The compound video was taken by me while I was turning the crank. The cross slide was taken by my buddy while I manipulated the crank.
I don't know about you folks, for my use, the backlash, as shown, for both the compound and cross slide is nore than adequate. For a 61 year old machine, I am more than happy.
Next up is the VFD conversion, and you know who the master in VFD conversion is, mksj, already designed the control system. The wheels are rolling
When all is said and done, this lathe will be a fun machine for the years to come. One of its aspects that I really enjoy is the height. I am a sawed off guy, I can operate this one with ergonomic reach to the carriage cranks without employing any platform in front to stand on.