After mounting my 4 jaw chuck, I decided to make a faceplate for the lathe. To leave the face at a workable distance from my tool holder, I used a spur gear with a 100mm diameter, 30mm thick collar. Even with this distance, the nearest I can move my carriage to the face of the plate is about 44mm. This is because the lead screw's protection, made out of a spiral spring, when totally closed, makes a solid tube that prevents further movement.
Is there any alternative way to protect the lead screw if I remove the original protection?
Is there any alternative way to protect the lead screw if I remove the original protection?