Metal for cross slide

[arizonavideo]

My old AI lathe has a worn out cross slide. It is a second op lathe so the carriage does not move it only has a cross slide and no threading function.

The infeed is still OK but the cross feed ways are gone, even with the gibe strip shortened and all the way tight I still have 1/4" of play.

I bought some 12mm rails and a nice small ballscrew to replace the cross feed but I will need to make a plate for the rails and a new tool mount. I will mount it to the old in feed slide.

I bought some hot roll steel and I have a IH mill to work the metal but I don't think the hot roll steel is the best choice of metal for the tool mount or even for the rails.

I don't know a lot about the different metals but is there a better choice of steel for the tool post mount that is not too hard or lots of money? I only found 4140 which I think is a little hard and expensive for this use.

The tool post mount will be 4" x 5" 3/4" and the rails will need to be mounted to a plate about 5" x 12" x 3/4".

Thanks
Dave

[ctate2000]

If you are going to use rails I would suggest cast iron. You can buy it from MSC or Mc Master Carr. It will be very stable and easy to work.

CT