A hearty thanks to kn8.....leadscrews duly collected - the longest one of the pair since hacksawed into two bits ...which as luck would have it was exactly the right length to be sufficient for both X & Y planes.

Ends of each lead screw piece now turned down to be 8mm diameter (yes, mini lathes are up to the job, but it takes a while!)...my somewhat creaky DIY CNC is now in bits & I'm making some DIY mounts so I can incoproprate the leadscrew nuts that came with the leadscrew (nut mounts will be made out of acrylic - don't ask! But they'll be solid as a rock!)

Got to say...I'm really looking forward to seeing these puppies turn .....3mm pitch (with nice smooth nuts) - luxury after M8 rod!