Request for ideas for lathe Z axis ballscrew covers

Hi people.

We've got a lathe retrofitted with ballscrews, servos, etc. It works
great (outstanding actually) except that the ballscrew is getting
contaminated with metal filings, etc. This metal is jamming the
ballnuts.

The Z axis ballscrew is located where the feedrods and lead screw are
mounted on a conventional lathe. We've got a roof over the screw, but
debris is still getting on it. When cutting, we've got debris flying
everywhere.

I'd appreciate any and all ideas for covering the ballscrew. Don't
forget that a ballnut runs up and down the screw... The best idea we've
had thus far is an accordion type tube, kind of like the fork covers on
a motorcycle.

BTW: our Z axis has 40 inches of travel.
--
Kim Lux <lux@...>