New Parts Lookup System

I worked at an auto parts store for several months a while back. I've also been building computers for over a decade and use newegg.com regularly to source parts of all types. Additionally I repair cars and need to source parts using all sorts of different systems. I have yet to find one "perfect" system which fits my needs and the needs of others. The trick I have found is to have multiple different methods of search within one system. It's unusual to find such a think. For example, a website may be very beautifully organized, but then their search box option is useless. I'm going to attempt to make a parts sourcing system for some of the equipment I used most for which there are no decent parts websites or look-up systems. The first of course will be the Harbor Freight Central Machinery 7x10 Mini Lathe. Once the system is in place for this single piece of equipment it will be easy to add more machines.

Searching will be possible in many different ways:
Part number, assembly (tailstock, headstock, etc.), Category (hardware, tooling, etc.), interactive diagram (as in the HF manuals, but significantly improved), and by name or alias (there are often many different names for the same part). Also I will have a way for users to add input/suggestions for how their brain works.

When applicable the system will suggest that you upgrade the part rather than replace it. For example, one of the weaknesses of the tail stock is the terrible lock which many have upgraded using the LMS cam-lock kit. This will save people time from having to replace a part twice or introduce them to an improvement they may not know exists.

Finally, it will give more information than the traditional parts list does so that the user can either find a replacement part in their own shop, make a replacement part, or grab one from a local hardware store (when applicable). No reason to order a M10 nut all the way from China!

7x Lathe Bearing Upgrades

I will be drawing up various parts on my 7x10 lathe over the next few weeks. They are all parts which from the factory lack a bearing or sometimes even a bushing. My drawings with be in AutoCAD 2010, but I will try to post PDF's or JPG's for those who don't have AutoCAD. Note that you can download an AutoCAD viewer from autodesk's website I believe. I hope to be able to modify the existing parts on the lathe to accept bearings or create new parts that will fit without modification that have bearings.

This is not my original  idea exclusively. I was inspired by some of the following links:
http://www.aardvark.co.nz/pjet/lathefix.htm - Bruce Simpson out of New Zealand upgraded the compound slide with a bearing. This is part #115.
I was also inspired by the may sites I found which detail upgrading the head stock to include tapered roller bearings as well as the counter shaft. Those links will be given when I post on this subject.

Some of these parts include:
#88 in Parts Diagram, the Cross Slide bracket.

 #115 - the Compound Slide retainer.

#48- the "A" gear shaft mount.

#140 - the tailstock retainer.

#131 - Right lead screw bracket (some machines lack the hole on top for lubrication)

 #127 - Left lead screw bracket (some machines lack the hole on top for lubrication)

And more to come...