Well, after about two months, I've finally got the old Craftsman/Atlas 12x36 lathe about 95% operable! I found a late-model lead screw support/bearings on eBay for less than $30 and then figured out that (I think) the lead screw is not correct (slightly too short) for this machine. If the end nut was tightened up fully, it would pull the lead screw out of engagement at the headstock, so I cut down a 1/2x5/8x1" bushing and made a spacer for the tailstock end. With the nut tightened to flush, the preload on the bearings is just right, and voila!, I have power feed! The lead screw is slightly bent, but I think I can straighten it out pretty easily. I'll try to get some pics up tomorrow. I also machined down a nut and got my Shars BXA wedge QCTP mounted, and I'm digging it!
It feels good to finally see some actual improvement, it makes me feel like I'm making some headway, but it still needs some love in the form of bushings and a few gears, but I think it will be usable as is for now. It runs nice and quiet, but time will tell what kind of work I can actually turn out with it. :allgood:
It feels good to finally see some actual improvement, it makes me feel like I'm making some headway, but it still needs some love in the form of bushings and a few gears, but I think it will be usable as is for now. It runs nice and quiet, but time will tell what kind of work I can actually turn out with it. :allgood:
