FILENAMES: RestoredHalfNuts_1.jpg RestoredHalfNuts_2.jpg DESCRIPTION: Photos of using a bronze bushing to restore worn out half nuts on a South Bend 9" Model A lathe. Posted by Brett Flemming The following description was provided: ================================================================= I clamped and aligned stripped half-nuts in milling vise and bored out old threads to a .900" bore. I then made a bearing bronze spool with small flanges (1"o.d.) on each end, and turned "waist" to .895" to allow for epoxy to fill gap and account for misalignment. Then I single pointed the threads till spool threaded on leadscrew easily (carefully marking spool/chuck jaw interface to allow for removal/replacement while maintaining thread "timing"). Then I made few passes on the spool outside diameter at 4tpi to rough-up for improved epoxy grip. I then installed bored half-nuts on saddle, put saddle on lathe, screwed spool onto leadscrew, replaced lead screw end support to line things up, then clanked half nuts closed on the spool to test fit. Once it looked like it would work (part of the flanges had to be ground away to clear casting "draft") Next, I coated the spool with epoxy, clanked half nuts closed, then let it cure for a few days (epoxy used was kind of like jb weld). I then removed saddle by running the lathe lead screw backwards. To secure sleeves mechanically I drilled and installed roll pins(1/16") through each end of the spool lip into the cast iron at an angle. Finally, I clamped in vise and split with a big slotting saw, re-drilled the oil hole, and Voila. half nuts live again.