they are well made tools! the rack on mine aint too bad, but that is a good idea Andrew. Also considered putting some washers or shims behind the rack to pack it down a bit, but the majority of the wear is in the pinion. Damn, you have got me thinking about it now! I will have to strip it again anyway, and I will check the rack more carefully, which I can also do by winding towards the tailstock end and checking the play there, may even be possible to shim it at the headstock end if it is most worn there! I have been to the workshop today, and I am feeling a bit bereft...................a very good mate of mine wanted to borrow his engine crane back! Selfish I call it!!
Phil.