Backlash

Hi Group,

It has been a long time since I posted or read anything from this group, and
then it was under another email address. I've been doing other things.

I have a problem with my CNC lathe in that the adjustment of backlash on the
cross-slide is impossible to get right and I'm looking for a cheap working
solution that doesn't require a complete redesign.

The leadscrew is Acme and the nuts, there are two of them, are bronze. The
front nut is fixed and the rear one can be unlocked and allowed to move to
take up the backlash. The nuts appear to be forced apart by a ball under
pressure from dished washers acting like a spring.

I do not want to fit ballscrews at this stage and the leadscrew has no wear.
Does anyone know or have a design of anti-backlash device that would make
adjustment much easier and predictable.

Regards,

Terry