The plan is to build a sliding table type router table for making
raised panels for doors on a furniture project. I am going to use a
couple of linear bearings on shafts attached to a large aluminum plate
for the sliding table, then use an 3/8" x 10 tpi Acme precision lead
screw to advance the sliding portion of the table. The plate will have
the wooden workpiece attached and feed the wood hanging off the edge
into the panel raising bit. The last time I raised panels I sent a
couple of workpieces across the room because they weren't fixtured well
enough to my plywood jig, so I really need a rigid sliding table for
safety and better results.

I definately don't have the skill or thread cutting attachements to
make my own lead screw and nut, and the prices on a complete assemby
with support flanges and flats milled on the leadscrew are pretty
steep. So I am looking at just buying a 3' length of lead screw with
an oversized nut. My question is about how to finish the ends of the
lead screw. Can I just weld a sleeve, with a tight fit between the OD
of the screw and the ID of the sleeve, over the ends of the lead screw
- then slide that into a pillow blocks to support the ends of the lead
screw? Of would I be better off trying to chuck the 3' lead screw into
my HF 3-in-1 and turn the screw shaft down to a smooth round surface
that fits into a smaller bearing in my pillow blocks? I have never
tried to turn a threaded rod and don't know if the threads would catch
on my cutter. I'm quite new to machining metal, and could really use
some advice.

thanks
James B