leadscrew protection

[jjr2001]

Good one Steve..I will add one to my 7x16. Keeping chips out of the lead screw will save me time cleaning them out after the fact.
They do tend to jam up the half nut! I will only add the cover to the left side as almost all of the interfering chips originate
from that side..

Cheers, JR

[Scrounga]

Lead screw protectors are not there to protect the lathe but rather the operator. The following is an extract from the Hare & Forbes site.
Exposed rotating leadscrew shafts on lathes now can be guarded with the new release of LSGC covers, the steel concertina type system is designed to reduce the risk of the operator becoming accidentally entangled with the exposed rotating shafts. The kit will set you back $550 AUD. Safety ain’t cheap.
There is a very good video on YT that shows a bloke clearing the threads with a piece of string. It is so simple and works very well. Cheers Stuart 🇦🇺

[mklotz]

I'm not worried about leadscrew wear. Given my age and the amount of threading I do, any wear problems with the lathe aren't worth my concern.

However, keeping swarf out of the screw is desirable. Here's my approach to doing that...

A sawed-off toothbrush head held to the carriage with a magnet will keep the lead screw free of swarf.

[Stevohdee]

Lead screw protectors are not there to protect the lathe but rather the operator. The following is an extract from the Hare & Forbes site.
Exposed rotating leadscrew shafts on lathes now can be guarded with the new release of LSGC covers, the steel concertina type system is designed to reduce the risk of the operator becoming accidentally entangled with the exposed rotating shafts. The kit will set you back $550 AUD. Safety ain’t cheap.
There is a very good video on YT that shows a bloke clearing the threads with a piece of string. It is so simple and works very well. Cheers Stuart 🇦🇺

Thanks for your observation Stuart but I've never worried about getting wrapped around my leadscrew, maybe on a 10 footer there would be some possibility of danger but never seen any accidents with leadscrews. I would be more concerned with a piece of string creating a pinch point with my finger & rippin it off. I suppose it depends on how quick u hit the stop button but if u get both fingers caught then you're in a whole lotta trouble. Cheers

[Stevohdee]

I'm not worried about leadscrew wear. Given my age and the amount of threading I do, any wear problems with the lathe aren't worth my concern.

However, keeping swarf out of the screw is desirable. Here's my approach to doing that...

A sawed-off toothbrush head held to the carriage with a magnet will keep the lead screw free of swarf.

That's a neat trick for the same problem. You do use the auto feed on your lathe I assume? Therefore swarf would be wearing your half nuts & leadscrew. I'm 84 next month if I make it but @ least I don't need to clean the dam screw again!! Haha cheers mklotz

[mklotz]

You do use the auto feed on your lathe I assume? Therefore swarf would be wearing your half nuts & leadscrew.

I'm not sure what that statement means so I'll withhold comment. I will mention that the leadscrew is not used for auto feed; only for threading. Auto feed is provided by the drive rod you see underneath the leadscrew.

[Stevohdee]

I'm not sure what that statement means so I'll withhold comment. I will mention that the leadscrew is not used for auto feed; only for threading. Auto feed is provided by the drive rod you see underneath the leadscrew.

Haha oh sorry marv, I didn't peg that you had a real lathe, I've been talking Chinese mini lathe language where the one screw does both jobs and is called the leadscrew. Regards stevoh

[Canyonman44]

I liked your video. Good Idea. Enjoyed the comic relief.

[BuffaloJohn]

A year ago on the YT video comments, you replied to a question "Great idea Steve, how long does it last before it needs replenishing?" with:

"Well... Funny u should ask Charles, the sandwich wrap did become altered over time, it was peeling off & causing jams @ the chuck end so I've come up with another solution. I'm working on it @ the present, fingers crossed, regards, steve"

Did you come up with that new solution?

Is that this video?

[Stevohdee]

Yes it is mate, once fitted i havent needed to clean screw, just pull cover back occasionly & pop a drop of oil on, cheers