Some lathes have a split nut or some such for adjustment. There are of course many different models of the Student so it could be different on each one, if provided. See if you can find a manual or do a search for the appropriate cross slide nut which will show if it is adjustable.

Hi Simon,

Yes, as has been said it is just wear in the cross slide nut and screw. The Student has a fixed nut, not a split nut so without replacing the nut and screw there is no way to get rid of the backlash.

There are a few vids on the interweb of people making new nuts and also people making split nuts for them to compensate for wear, nice little project.

Mine has a fair but of backlash in the cross slide (the oiler was blocked when I got it) so I put up with a bit but it is nothing you dont get used to.. I might get round to sorting it one day..

Back-lash on a lathe is generally only in one direction on each slide and is reasonably constant – unless the screw is worn in the most-used area, so not anywhere near as much of a nuisance as when using a mill. 10 thou (or 0.25mm) will still be 10 thou (or 0.25mm) extra cut when dialled in.

None of us (I hope) cut in both directions on a lathe, when approaching the finish size. Reducing back-lash is possible but generally doesn’t remove it completely. A new nut and feed screw would still exhibit some back-lash when made in metal. The machine doubtless arrived, new, with some back-lash.