I need to replace the crossfeed screw on my lathe.
I decided the easiest way would be to buy a length of Acme threaded rod - 1 /2" X 10 left hand thread.
I then searched around for quotes for an 18" length, more than enough. The first quote was from a well known supplier of screws and racks was for £7
0.00 plus carriage. The second quote was from another often mentioned suppl ier who offered a price of £33.60 inclusive.
Getting better I thought, until I read on an American forum about a company called McMaster-Carr. Looking on their web-site I was amazed to see the Ac me threaded rod I needed for $18.00, but for a 36" length!
Luckily I had a friend visiting relatives in the US who would fetch it for me. The total cost to me was £15.41 which included taxes and shipping to a US address.
I am still staggered at the difference in cost, and cannot understand why t he UK suppliers of the same product charge so much.
I hope this story might be of use to others.
John H