Thread: Quick change tool post, advice please

Hey guys,
I'm looking at buying a quick change tool post for my lathe, but there are a few options out there.....
Can any of you with experience please help with advice please?
Ill attach my existing tool post dimensions below.

Thanks in advance, 40mm

Or........ I tried using a HSS fly cutter to machine my tool post but the hardened steel ate the fly cutter!

Anyone got a suggestion to help machine it please?
Ive asked a mate if a surface grinder will do it, but i think the side of the wheel will need to be used and I dont know if thats ok?

Originally Posted by 40mm

Or........ I tried using a HSS fly cutter to machine my tool post but the hardened steel ate the fly cutter!

Anyone got a suggestion to help machine it please?
Ive asked a mate if a surface grinder will do it, but i think the side of the wheel will need to be used and I dont know if thats ok?

Just take it down the side in small bites

I tried that, but it still wore the HSS down.
I am an amateur though.... so likely I had a hand in that result!

This is the area i need to remove/grind true and flat
the area with the xxxxx's is to be ground etc

fyi carbide stuff from aliexpress works well and is cheap.

I hardly bother with hss anymore.

you wont regret buying a decent quick change toolpost and enough inserts (except when you buy it)

Tried Chevpac or Machinery Hse?

I use pretty much only carbide now, works well and lasts for ever…. These guys are well priced and quick on delivery. https://carbidenz.co.nz/

Run them fast and climb mill for the finishing cuts

I'd have a good look at the 100 series quick change toolposts. I have a 200 series on my lathe, very simple, easy, quick and more solid than the machine. I have 5 tool adapters, and a knurling tool and a parting off blade holder...

Likely that tool post will have a hard skin, but nothing but butter underneath so if you chop through it it will not hold up to a hammering like an interrupted cut with a bit of knock to it????

Originally Posted by No.3

I'd have a good look at the 100 series quick change toolposts. I have a 200 series on my lathe, very simple, easy, quick and more solid than the machine. I have 5 tool adapters, and a knurling tool and a parting off blade holder...

Likely that tool post will have a hard skin, but nothing but butter underneath so if you chop through it it will not hold up to a hammering like an interrupted cut with a bit of knock to it????

Yep I have the 200 series, fantastic upgrade and so easy to use……. Not that expensive either now

Originally Posted by No.3

I'd have a good look at the 100 series quick change toolposts. I have a 200 series on my lathe, very simple, easy, quick and more solid than the machine. I have 5 tool adapters, and a knurling tool and a parting off blade holder...

Likely that tool post will have a hard skin, but nothing but butter underneath so if you chop through it it will not hold up to a hammering like an interrupted cut with a bit of knock to it????

bloody good point, that will explain the weird low spots on it. (looks like someone has hacked it with a file or something)

Originally Posted by 40mm

bloody good point, that will explain the weird low spots on it. (looks like someone has hacked it with a file or something)

I would say that it was machined like that, probably with a side/face rotary cutter either in a horizontal mill or done in a lathe with the tool held between centers. The pattern it's left would indicate that it was like that from being made, and whoever did it was not worried about appearance (likely figured it didn't affect performance - like the stamp and send it haha).

Those toolposts while they do the job are a pain compared to the 100 and 200 series toolposts - you have no idea how fast and convenient it is being able to set the center height using the knurled thumbwheel on top of the toolholder, whacking the toolholder on and off and having it return exactly to center height and then locking it in place with the lever. If you need to change the tool angle just undo the nut at the top with a shifter and retighten it. Easy...

Originally Posted by No.3

I would say that it was machined like that, probably with a side/face rotary cutter either in a horizontal mill or done in a lathe with the tool held between centers. The pattern it's left would indicate that it was like that from being made, and whoever did it was not worried about appearance (likely figured it didn't affect performance - like the stamp and send it haha).

Those toolposts while they do the job are a pain compared to the 100 and 200 series toolposts - you have no idea how fast and convenient it is being able to set the center height using the knurled thumbwheel on top of the toolholder, whacking the toolholder on and off and having it return exactly to center height and then locking it in place with the lever. If you need to change the tool angle just undo the nut at the top with a shifter and retighten it. Easy...

Oh I have an idea allright....!
Its a total pain in the arse at the moment!
And to make it worse, I cant even get my TCT cutter to to center because the tool holder needs 1-2mm removed to get it low enough!
This is why i asked about cutting it, but im with you lot regarding the quick change post...

I just dont want to stuff up and buy the wrong one!
Maybe @Makros will loan me on of his spares to check before I order one??

Can send you the used one to keep it you want. Give me a PM.