Author Topic: lathe tool post advice (Read 20974 times)

Andrew Wildman · « **on:** September 30, 2015, 02:16:22 PM »

I am getting a bit fed up with my 4 way toolpost on my Harrison L5 as having to take tools out and reshim is a pain. The machine is 4.5" centre height.

Anybody have any recommendations for a post £100-£150 mark for post and a handful off holders? I like the wedge type like Double boost John has but I cannot find any anywhere.

Over to you chaps (and chapesses?)

John Rudd · « **Reply #1 on:** September 30, 2015, 02:43:23 PM »

I got my piston type from Arc....

http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/Catalogue/Machines-Accessories/Lathe-Accessories/Tool-Posts

Even for my WM 290 clone, the tp was a bit big...so should fit your L5....

Im very happy with mine.....

PekkaNF · « **Reply #2 on:** September 30, 2015, 03:33:17 PM »

I have 200-size QC TP from Arc. I'm happy with it.

It is not as exact than the really good ones, but here you'll pay 10% of the price and get whole lot more than 10% of the tool post.

I don't like the knurling holder, but it's not total waste of the money. However, I don't use the standard parting off holder. Tried it once and I'm sticking with GTN2 type inserts.

I have ordered more standard tool holders several time and I have a many of them. I'm happy with it.

Pekka

kayzed1 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 30, 2015, 04:42:21 PM »

I have a set of the ARC 100 kit, i bought for my Chester lathe and never fitted as i sold it

i was given a super severn and it is too tall for that machine.. £50 plus postage..Sir.. if that's ok to say on site, if not please remove and sorry.
Lyn.

Andrew Wildman · « **Reply #4 on:** September 30, 2015, 05:03:36 PM »

Lyn, does the post come with any holders? I am not if this may be a bit small for my lathe? What centre height was your Chester?

Thanks

rotorhead · « **Reply #5 on:** September 30, 2015, 08:14:52 PM »

Hi Andrew,

Hope I'm not treading on too many toes regarding QCTPs, while I can see advantages for them in some instances of personal preference, the 4 way toolpost has served me well for many cherished years...

The 4 way toolpost on my Colchester Master 7-1/2" has been refurbished a couple of times by myself, mainly to accommodate my liking for preset height tooling...

Right from the start I dismissed the practice of shimming...

I found 16mm square toolholders to be the requisite size for this 7-1/2" CH lathe...

So made preset blocks to take 16mm tools to correct CH, even made allinone Parting toolholders, and other profile tooling at 16mm..

Then loaded the 4 way with whatever tool I required to complete the job in hand, and had the convenience of being able to select the right tool just by rotating the 4 way to its positive stopping system...

Coupled this to my system of carriage stop setup, I could efficiently do repeat jobs if needed...

Below are a few pics of bought and shopmade tooling...

The round(RCMT) tools were made handed with the option of mounting the tip either top or bottom to facilitate LH or RH...

As a sort of PS. if you haven't the facilities to make the preset tool toolholders then this reply is sort of pointless and I apologize in advance...

Arbalist · « **Reply #6 on:** October 01, 2015, 08:06:13 AM »

I use a four way tool post and glue or bolt the required shim to the bottom of the tool holder. This is a no brainier for insert tooling in particular as once set it's never going to change. For most of my turning though I use a Tangential tool holder which is quick and easy to set to centre height using my home made gauge. I realise it's a very personal thing and depends a lot on where your skills have come from but I'm glad I never went the quick change tool post route as it's saved me a lot of money and I don't really have the space for the holders.

Andrew Wildman · « **Reply #7 on:** October 01, 2015, 02:28:03 PM »

Thanks all. Good food for thought. I still like the idea of the qctp as I use a fair number of HSS tools that I have ground up for various jobs but I can see the benefit of keeping with the 4 way if you mainly use insert tooling or have a toolholder with adjustment built in (tangential tool = future job!)

awemawson · « **Reply #8 on:** October 01, 2015, 02:46:00 PM »

I'd not be without my QCTP, which is a Dickson T2, along with many holders - some genuine and many home made.

However QCTP's do have their downsides. Inevitably the tool hangs over further from the mounting than (say) a lantern style and this results in less stiffness. Noticeable in parting off for instance.

Andrew Wildman · « **Reply #9 on:** October 01, 2015, 04:35:54 PM »

100 piston toolpost ordered from arc... we shall see how I get on with it

Will_D · « **Reply #10 on:** October 01, 2015, 06:04:53 PM »

Quote from: Andrew Wildman on October 01, 2015, 04:35:54 PM

100 piston toolpost ordered from arc... we shall see how I get on with it

100 Eh! Must have got a pretty good discount then

Arbalist · « **Reply #11 on:** October 02, 2015, 05:14:24 AM »

Good luck with the tool post Andrew, I'm sure it will work fine for you. Before you buy too many tool holders though spend a couple of hours knocking up a Tangential tool, you won't regret it. This is mine.

Andrew Wildman · « **Reply #12 on:** October 02, 2015, 12:42:17 PM »

Wow can't work out whether that is a cad rendering or a well finished tool!

Arbalist · « **Reply #13 on:** October 02, 2015, 01:07:39 PM »

You aren't the first to think it's a render Andrew but no, it's the real thing. Here's another shot of the tool.

hanermo · « **Reply #14 on:** October 02, 2015, 01:22:29 PM »

Please share .. how did you do the outstanding finish ?

mattinker · « **Reply #15 on:** October 02, 2015, 02:09:27 PM »

By sand blasting!

Regards, Matthew.

PekkaNF · « **Reply #16 on:** October 02, 2015, 02:10:53 PM »

noooo....

Glass or steelball shot? And etched and something?

Pekka

Arbalist · « **Reply #17 on:** October 02, 2015, 03:17:52 PM »

Just blasted with Aluminium Oxide.

Houtenkrullen · « **Reply #18 on:** October 02, 2015, 03:34:59 PM »

It looks great! Is it your own design? Or are there plans out there?

Jonny · « **Reply #19 on:** October 02, 2015, 04:27:56 PM »

Quote from: Andrew Wildman on October 01, 2015, 04:35:54 PM

100 piston toolpost ordered from arc... we shall see how I get on with it

Bit late but that's a bit small wish I went for the 300 series having gone for the 200 series. Not repetitive in alignment may have to zero every time if want accuracy.
Still using the one from 15 year ago but bought 5 more brand new with holders for £70, only wanted the holders and gave away the parting things and tool posts. Gloster 5 250 series V for £96 delivered.
Knurl tool waste of time, mill it out to take a lathe tool.

Arbalist · « **Reply #20 on:** October 02, 2015, 04:33:06 PM »

Quote from: Houtenkrullen on October 02, 2015, 03:34:59 PM

It looks great! Is it your own design? Or are there plans out there?

It's my own design. No plans though I just milled it as I went along. You just need to tip the bit 12° to the left and 12° forward for it to cut well. Few more pics in case it helps.

Manxmodder · « **Reply #21 on:** October 02, 2015, 04:45:10 PM »

As I've commented previously in another thread. I really do admire the design of that tool,it's boss

Does anyone else like the look of Arbalist's tool?

......OZ.

Arbalist · « **Reply #22 on:** October 02, 2015, 04:56:08 PM »

It's very big for my little 8 x 14 Lathe!

SwarfnStuff · « **Reply #23 on:** October 03, 2015, 01:31:11 AM »

Quote from: Manxmodder on October 02, 2015, 04:45:10 PM

Does anyone else like the look of Arbalist's tool? ......OZ.

YEP! I do OZ,
I recall the first time I saw them I was sure they were bought ones and said so they were so good. I have the bought one for my 7 x 12 and the resemblance is uncanny. A great job by Arbalist, who by the way put me right with the same explanation as he posted here. i.e. Made and sand blasted by him.

John B

rotorhead · « **Reply #24 on:** October 03, 2015, 03:39:53 AM »

Hi Arbalist,

That really is a nice piece of tooling, do you use another setup tool, to get the desired tool tip profile.

I like making tools more than the job itself...

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Author Topic: lathe tool post advice (Read 20974 times)