Assuming that the portion of the shaft that is a bearing surface isn't rough, that's likely not an issue, as this piece of the machine lends nothing towards precision. I'm not suggesting that being rough is acceptable, just that a rough one will perform just fine. All it is intended to do is propel the carriage, which it can do without issue.LX Kid wrote:My parts came in the mail this morning and I reassembled the parts into the lathe. "Crappy Parts!" The gear w/shaft was also just as rough made as the first one without the rust.
That's so the required hole will line up. It's not easy drilling through preexisting holes and remain aligned, especially if the hole must be hand drilled. By creating the hole in its entirety, you'll assured that the pin will fit as required. Imagine the results of drilling through the shaft, which now becomes a guide, and you have missed the centerline of the exit hole.I also had to drill my own roll pin hole!
It would be my opinion that spending time and effort on another gear would have benefit only in becoming a learning experience. I fully expect that a new one won't provide any better service.
Harold