Single point threading problem

[f350ca]

Self taught so this may not be the correct method to pick up a thread but it seams to work for my level of precision.
I just back the cross feed out, engage the half nuts and let the carriage travel till the tool is over the tread. Stop the lathe, now use a combination of compound and cross feed till your into the cut thread. Back out the cross feed and start the lathe, now slowly bring the cross feed back in till your cutting. That depth on the cross feed is your new setting as you back out and return for subsequent passes.