Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Affordable ball screws

> I really don't think you can convert an Acme screw to a ballscrew. Why

not

> just start with a steel shaft and grind the thread profile into it.

That's how the

> 'pros' do it. Making the screw is a standard lathe job, but making the

nut

> is a bit trickier. You need to have a fairly intricately shaped internal

grinding

> wheel that clears the inside of the nut. Tricky, for sure.
>

Why not adapt a ballnut from a conventional manual steering box? Every one
made
anywhere for the last 30 years or so is a recirculating ball design. You
could
start looking at a Saginaw manual steering box for starters. They have been
used
in almost everything domestic and are also found as industrial valve
controls.
Power steering boxes are R/B also, but they are usually of an overhung
design.
Usable, but a bit more work. Also, some are variable ratio.