[macatoms]

Has anyone ever used Kerk antibacklash lead screws?Iam wondering how they would work on a g0704 mill compaired to a rolled ballscrew?

[datac]

I've used them many times. The VHD nuts are extremely durable..... Many of the machines I used them on have been in service for 2 shifts a day for years, and they still have zero backlash. Excellent, excellent screws and nuts.

But, the machines I have them on are basically routers/engravers, marking machines etc., so when it comes to a "Mill", I dont have first hand experience. I can't imagine them not working to tell you the truth. I would only suggest that you dig into their data to see how a scenario of running in coolant might affect them.

Some might venture a complaint about the accuracy of "rolled" screws, but heck, I've seen some really crappy ball screws/nuts showing up in the market these days. I believe that you can purchase screws from them that are measured and mapped.... I think rolled screws get "graded", though they might deny it. I believe that Mcmaster sells Kerk brand screws under the term "precision Acme screws". I've purchasde screw there and used Kerk nuts on occasion, but note that Mcmaster does not sell Kerks VHD nut, which is a higher end nut that the 3 fingered spring jobbies they do sell (I've used them too and they are fine for lighter duty stuff). One MIGHT assume to that the Kerk screws sold via Mcmaster do not have the scrutiny of buying one directly from Kerk, because when you buy from Kerk, you get the measurement datasheet that was done on those screws, and they are packed and boxed in a small crate. Kerks are also "straightened"... whereas Mcmasters come poorly packaged (cardboard tube) and often in need of truing up if you need longer lengths on your machine.

I have some 3/4" diameter KERK brand screws on a Router here at home, and there really is no downfall to them whatsoever. i'd use them on a medium sized mill or lathe. Why not.