Never tried this my self, but may be worthwhile.

One of the old-technology books from Lindsay books on babbit
bearings mentions casting a halfnut from babbit using the
leadscrew as a pattern. Apparently this worked very well and the
old time writers felt a babbit nut worked better than a brass one
-- less wear -- easy renewal, etc.

see: http://www.lindsaybks.com/prod/sub/machine.html
I have all three of the babbit books, but don't remember which
one this was in. These are cheap enough to get all three.
http://www.lindsaybks.com/bks4/babbitt/index.html
http://www.lindsaybks.com/bks7/babb/index.html

I don't know what sort of accuracy you are looking for, but you
might investigate replacing the leadscrew with a piece of "acme"
allthread if its worn.

You also might consider using some of the way surfacing/rebuild
compounds such as moglice
to build up the half nut using the leadscrew as a mold. [be sure
to apply release compound ....]
the diamet company [apparently parent of moglice] makes specific
reference to halfnuts/leads screws
see http://diamant.ph/en/referenzen/details/?refid=all
see http://www.jmtsales.com/moglice.htm
and http://moglice.de/en/home/

I have no idea about the cost/availibility of the small
quantities you will require.

also see http://www.lsitvc.com/
http://feedscrews.com/supplier/329



Uncle George



On Thu, 8 Dec 2005 15:47:42 -0500, "George Willer"
wrote:

Mike,

I bought the nut from SB and made the screw to fit it. I got by for less
than $100. If I were to do it again I'd make a tap at the same time and at
the same settings as the lead screw and make the nut myself... just because.
I made my screw on my 10" Logan after making a follower rest for it. I
think it would be nearly impossible without a follower.

George Willer

"Mike" wrote in message
.com...
Help...I need one of these. The one in my lathe is wasted. I contacted
Southbend and they want like $995 for a new screw and nut. THe screw is
bent but straightenable if I can get a nut. Anybody know of another
source ? Or help point me in the direction of making one ? I have done
threading on a lthe a couple of times..but it has been awhile. I have a
nice 10" sheldon to use to make the nut on.

PLease help...

Thanks
Mike Miller