I dunno what's up with that hex rod but I did something similar to address backlash in the lead screw.? I didn't use angular contact bearings, I used thrust bearings.? I did it by machining a replacement bearing? block, which has the same outside dimensions as the OEM version.? I saw no point in using steel so it's 6061 aluminum.
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The job was done to improve the performance of my LS hand crank mod.? My LS is 16TPI so the Z motion is a little coarse compared to the cross slide and compound feed screws @20TPI.? I also added a DRO on the Z axis so it can function as a long-throw compound.....for some things.? I still need the top slide for threading so it's not going in the scrap bin.? But for a lot of stuff I can use the plinth, which is good in terms of improved rigidity.
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Mark
