In previous post, we discussed LeBlond’s machine tool parts support for LeBlond lathes and mills, K.O. Lee equipment as well as Standard Modern, Deka Drill, Johnson Press and W.F. & John Barnes machinery.
Now we get specific with a case study of the cross feed screw. This is a hardened ground screw for the part of the lathe that moves in and out across the X-axis to get the lathe in position to make a diameter cut.
Cross Feed Screw’s Special Design
The cross feed screw, especially the nut, is a heavy wear machine tool parts item on a lathe like LeBlond’s classic Regal model. You might have to replace the nut two or three times over twenty years before having to replace the screw.
LeBlond parts are OEM or Original Equipment Manufacturer parts. This means that the parts are built to the original specifications and drawings that the manufacturer drew up.
The cross freed screw is an example of a unique OEM part. It does not have a standard acme thread like a square thread. It has, rather, a V thread that makes replicating this screw difficult.
Off the Shelf Ain’t an Option
“You can buy an acme screw off the shelf, but it will not match ours,” says John Cook, LeBlond Ltd. Customer Service Representative. “It’s not the same thread as ours.
If you try and go after market for the cross feed screw, you will run into difficulty.
“After market parts are not held up to the same tolerances as OEM parts,” says Cook. “Like parts for cars, after market is not as solid and durable as original equipment. A lot of people try and make parts and end up calling us anyway.”
OEM = Cost-Effective
So your best option is to go with OEM parts for your equipment. LeBlond’s pricing makes this decision easy.
“Our parts pricing is very reasonable,” Cook explains.
“If you bought a part for one of our lathes and something from a competitor, LeBlond’s price is going to be about a third less in price. We want to keep our product running in the field. If you price parts too high, people are going to discard your equipment and the line will become obsolete. Machinists appreciate LeBlond because we keep the prices down.”
The bottom line is that it is more cost-effective to buy OEM parts than to shop after market or build something on your own.
Don’t miss LeBlond’s holiday promotion where you can save up to 15% off or as much as $9,600 off heavy-duty RKL manual lathes. Find out more about the offer here. If you’re interested in new K.O. Lee equipment or need original OEM parts for LeBlond, K.O. Lee, Standard Modern, Johnson Press, Deka Drill and W.F. & John Barnes equipment, fill out a contact form here.
hello i am parts for old 15X72 round head the end cap/mount for lead screw blow apart on me also curious what cost is for lead screw and crossfeed+half nuts
We received your request, Mitch. Someone will contact you regarding your parts question. For immediate service, call LeBlond at +1 (888) 532-5663 or email LeBlond General Manager Tina Lopreato at [email protected]
I have a leblond regal 17″ serial# 2D551 would like to know the year, also having problem with the Z axis feed.
Chuck, we have received your parts request and are forwarding on to a LeBlond Customer Service Representative. Someone will contact you. For immediate issues, call (888) 532-5663 or email GM Tina Lopreato at [email protected]
I have a old round head regal with taper attachment and need pricing on crossfeed nut and screw
Hello Josh, thank you for your inquiry. We have passed it on to our parts team. Someone will get in touch with you. For immediate service, call LeBlond GM Tina Lopreato at 888-532-5663 Ext. 203 or email at tlopreato[at]leblondusa.com Thanks again for your interest in LeBlond.
need a threading dial assembly for leblond makino 16/38 gap bed lathe with a sliding bed… lead screw dia 1 7/16″ 3 threads per inch. if not a whole assembly …just a gear to drive the dial. we will fab the rest… maybe part we can adapt from another machine…
please help
mike
908-812-8640
Hello Mike, thanks for your message. I will pass this on to a Customer Service Tech at LeBlond. Someone will contact you. For immediate service, call 888-532-5663 or email LeBlond GM Tina Lopreato at [email protected] Thank you!