Hello:
Posted by Graham Meek on 29/06/2023 11:34:54:
… has lasted 40+ years without modification.
I beg to differ. If what I have read on the web is correct, my Unimat 3 was manufactured in 07/1980, 43 years ago this month. Apparently it was discontinued in 1990, which (if accurate) would make it 10+ years without modification, at least from Emco.
From what I have seen in exploded parts diagrammes, Sieg made quite a few modifications to what they manufactured based on the original Emco design, never seen one save in photos so I cannot speak of quality.
That said, I have seen a great many U3 modifications published/shown on the web and I am sure there are many more that have not been published.
I believe that (one of) the most interesting ones is Maurice Rhode's, followed by your take on the feedscrew nut and tailstock modifications.
… 11 mm O/D 5mm I/D Ball races … | … would be more than enough … | … Provided they were not over tightened in the quest for zero back-lash.
Both Kiwi Bloke and you agree that it would be the best solution, so that what I will attempt to do.
… a down side to such modifications.
Yes, I expect there is, as always.
Remove that drag and the feedscrew or leadscrew could move …
Thnaks, I'll have to keep an eye on that then.
… purchasing non-original parts … | … leadscrew could well be smaller than the original …
Yes, it could well happen. But I don't think there's a way to get a brand new OEM part these days and for the US$36 this Sieg part cost me, I thought it was worth seeing what I could get from this manufacturer.
Better that than risking my pension money on a perfect state, very little use, no returns accepted etc. sample from the usual suspects on flea bay.
And then, there's also the present state of the thread on the leadscrew post to take into account.
… taps used by Emco might well be H6 tolerance, the far eastern manufacturer might use a H7 tap.
I had some idea but only when I purchased my U3 did I realise just how exponentially expensive precision can be. Having experienced the results of U3 Emco manufacturing of the U3, I can only say that I have serious doubts with respect to what tolerances Emco may have used viv-a-vis the ones used by Sieg in their C0 version of the U3.
Thank you very much for your input.
Best,
JHM