The upper one isn't long enough to be supported, but the lower one runs within the casting. Also, neither lead screw was supported at the other end. The end of the lead screw rotated on and in the plate with the captive nut/ dial rubbing on the other side. One thing that I wasn't that impressed with (although they were in line with the price) were the end plates for the lead screws which were plain stamped steel plates. That was the extent of my playing with it though as I immediately stripped it down I've since spent a bunch of time scraping off paint and smoothing down the sliding surfaces, so it now slides around much more smoothly and easily (pics of the parts later). I was pleasantly surprised when it turned up, pretty solid and moved relatively smoothly. I bought it knowing that I was basically buying a kit of castings and screws, so I expected to spend a fair bit of time removing paint from where it wasn't supposed to be and filing/ sanding down machining marks.

I also needed an X-Y vise of some sort and with a 25% off coupon, I could just about afford a 6in X-Y vise from Harbor Freight ( ) Yes, I know milling in a drill press is a bad idea and I've taken on board all the advice and cautions to that end, as well as being the lucky recipient of a thread on collet chuck from George Wilson (thanks George!). Long story short is that I want to do some light milling on my WT 15in drill press until I know where I'll be in 6mths (or even what country) and have the funds to buy a proper mill. Hmm, title might be a bit strong, but I figured I'd head off criticism of my choice before it started

Machinist vise x y