Does anyone know of a US supplier where I can get a 1.5 meter long lead screw as a drop-in replacement for the one used in the openbuilds parts store? Yes, I know a long 8mm screw can have whipping problems. My application runs at low speeds, so that shouldn't be an issue. Backlash isn't an issue either as positioning to within 1mm is fine. Loads are minimal. I'd use a belt drive, but the client wants a lead screw. So far, I've found them in China, Canada, Denmark, and Germany, but shipping ends up tripling the cost.
Try this store: 8mm T8x8 Lead Screw Trapezoidal ACME w/ Brass Nut - Custom Cut Length (up to 2000mm) Rick 2.0 referred me to the store. I would buy longer lead screws but I have bad flu.
Order 1600mm lead screws and flip the end plates around so that the bearings and collars are outside instead of inside. This should reduce lead screw whipping.
