HOBBYMAT UPGRADE

[ALB]

Hi All,

decided to upgrade my hobbymat toolpost to a QCTP i bought
the probolem is i can only use 6mm cutting tools in it  due to the tool holders being so small
So i thought i would make a couple more

[Sid_Vicious]

I am upgrading my lathes to qctp too, so it will be interesting to see how you are making the extra toolholders

[ALB]

sorry i don't have many pictures
First started off with a block of aluminium in the mill

Roughed out the initial depth and width of slot 26mm wide 8mm deep ish then got my 60deg dovetail cutter(first time i have cut a dovetail) cut the first side using verry fine cuts until it looked right then cut the other side and used the tool post as a guide not verry technical i know but heyho it worked for me
 

[ALB]

i can't figure out how to get more than one picture on here
anyway where was i?
oh yes after the cutting of the dovetail i then offered the holder to the tool post so i could get a line for my cutting tool

then milled out the slot cleaned up the ends and tapped some holes for the clamping bolts
 

[jiihoo]

i can't figure out how to get more than one picture on here

Just reduce the pictures in size before attaching them to your post. 800 * 600 is usually preferred, although on some occasions it may make sense to go a little larger. Here is the link to the photo resize instructions http://madmodder.net/index.php/topic,4735.0.html.

Please continue the story, we are watching.

Jari

[Meldonmech]

Hi Alb,

          Nice job on the tool holders, I would change the screws to socket head cap screws. You will be able to tighten them much more with an allen key, ensuring maximum firmness of your tools.
                                                  Keep the posts coming  Cheers David

[ALB]

last couple of pictures for now
David i took your advise and used allen bolts
heres the tree i have made so far
1 has a 10mm cutting tool in it
2 has an 8mm cutting tool
3 has mu 6mm tiny boring bar in it


and the next shows against iht origional black holder with 6mm tool

and thanks to Don (he's going to resize the first couple of pictures for me

alb

[vtsteam]

Good work! 

[andyf]

Alb, how are you going to set the centre height i.e. limit the level to which the holders drop down on the post? I assume the black holder came with the QCTP, and has the usual stud sticking out of the top with knurled locknuts on it to limit the drop, but those you made don't.

Andy

[vtsteam]

Think I see holes for the depth screw in two of the holders. Didn't see one in the big one, but I bet there's a plan.

[Meldonmech]

Hi Alb,
           I made my first one to make sure it fitted correctly, then I used an aluminium bar long enough to make six. I machined the bar to the dimensions of the first one including the dovetail, then sawed the bar into six pieces,leaving only two sides to skim. This is a great time saver, and you will find you need more. Glad you fitted the socket screws, now they look right.

                                                                        Cheers David

[ALB]

Hi Lads,
Thanks for the kind advise
just about finnished the holders (I will take a picture when done)
Andy, well spotted the large holder will not have a height clamp it rests in the compound slide but i have got them on the smaller ones now.
David i did the three smaller ones the same as you with a long peice of flat bar Note to self dont waist time trying to cut them off with a slitting saw:-( did one in about 1 hour then hacksawed the other in about 10 mins
anyway maybe get them completed this week
cheers all
Alb