On this lathe the saddle is very simple and is permanently attached to the leadscrew. The leadscrew itself appears to be a length of 1/2” steel rod on which for part of its length has been cut a 1/2” BSW thread probably in another lathe.

The number of holes in the saddle indicate that this lathe has had a long and varied life and there is no doubt in my mind that the current cross slide is not the original.

The cross slide was attached to the saddle by 4 very mismatched screws (seen below) - but the holes themselves seem to be tapped 2BA. I hope to replace these screws and maybe I’ll retap them M5 which is only fractionally larger than 2BA - but much easier to find screws for nowadays.

The saddle did not come off easily as I was only able to detach the leadscrew at the headstock end. However the photo below shows it resting on the cross slide after I eventually wriggled it off!.

The leadscrew engages the saddle by means of a fixed nut made from a length of hexagonal brass. The leadscrew itself is steel and this has caused the brass nut to wear badly which causes excessive backlash.

In the long run a proper half nut arrangement would be good - but initially I intend to fit a secondary brass nut to the front end of the existing one to reduce backlash. I can’t add one to the back end as there then wouldn’t be enough clearance to get the saddle back on the leadscrew. The headstock mounts would get in the way.

The picture bellow also shows what are probably two 5/16” BSW machine screws which held the clamping block onto the saddle. This clamping block is supposed to keep the saddle tight on the ways/bed - but is worn and not effective. I appear to have misplaced the screws - but no matter - I’ve worked out an adjustable alternative using my all time favourite M5 sized machine screw! ;-)

In the photo below the saddle has been removed and I’ve re-attached the leadscrew at the headstock end. The leadscrew pitch is 12tpi which is a bit fine and whats more its a standard right hand thread so works in the opposite direction to the Wizard lathe. For the moment I will keep it like this - but hopefully ‘upgrade’ it in the future once I’ve got the lathe cutting metal again.

All text and images Copyright © 2000-2011 Roland Givan, unless otherwise stated. All Rights Reserved. Game artwork copyright their respective publishers.

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