Here is a video showing the movement of the front v way from the tailstock end to the headstock end. This is using the tailstock as a sled with an indicator on it - apparently that is in nice shape still.
I also measured a bunch of other things and the read bed thickness varies about .005" in the bad section.
I have not disassembled the carriage yet to see how it is but I believe it is far more worn even than the bed - without any shims in the rack the pinion gear does not engage it at all!
Anyone here vote for trying extreme measures to save this thing since it is worn out anyway? I saw this video & was intrigued since the tailstock as a sled does seem to be in good shape as far as I can tell. I ran it along various surfaces and there are some where it does not deflect at all.
As for the carriage, currently thinking about a build up of either Turcite or cast iron strips epoxied in place then machined back out til its in usable condition.
I also measured a bunch of other things and the read bed thickness varies about .005" in the bad section.
I have not disassembled the carriage yet to see how it is but I believe it is far more worn even than the bed - without any shims in the rack the pinion gear does not engage it at all!
Anyone here vote for trying extreme measures to save this thing since it is worn out anyway? I saw this video & was intrigued since the tailstock as a sled does seem to be in good shape as far as I can tell. I ran it along various surfaces and there are some where it does not deflect at all.
As for the carriage, currently thinking about a build up of either Turcite or cast iron strips epoxied in place then machined back out til its in usable condition.