Ok... I am not thrilled with the tool post on the 8.5 x 18, but I like the
lathe, It's a lot better than the mini lathe. I bought a quick change tool
post for the mini lathe and its ok, but I was thinking about making my own
tool post and holders for the 8.5 x 18. One thing that has me thinking that
way is the tool post on the 8.5 has one feature I like. It has a
cylindrical register on the base to match a pocket in the compound. This
makes for very smooth consistent tool positioning. I think I have most of
the mechanics of machining it figured out. I can do it on the RF-30
manually probably the fastest, and turn the register on the lathe. I'm just
wondering about the base material to make it out of. I see myself abusing
this tool post and just don't think aluminum is going to last worth a darn.
Cast iron? Some alloy of tool steel? I think I'll hold off on any exotics
like titanium until the Hurco mill is finished. LOL.

The other think I considered was buying a QCTP a little bigger than would
normally be on that size machine and modifying it to fit.

On Sun, 8 Jan 2012 19:17:43 -0700, "Bob La Londe"
wrote:

Ok... I am not thrilled with the tool post on the 8.5 x 18, but I like the
lathe, It's a lot better than the mini lathe. I bought a quick change tool
post for the mini lathe and its ok, but I was thinking about making my own
tool post and holders for the 8.5 x 18. One thing that has me thinking that
way is the tool post on the 8.5 has one feature I like. It has a
cylindrical register on the base to match a pocket in the compound. This
makes for very smooth consistent tool positioning. I think I have most of
the mechanics of machining it figured out. I can do it on the RF-30
manually probably the fastest, and turn the register on the lathe. I'm just
wondering about the base material to make it out of. I see myself abusing
this tool post and just don't think aluminum is going to last worth a darn.
Cast iron? Some alloy of tool steel? I think I'll hold off on any exotics
like titanium until the Hurco mill is finished. LOL.

The other think I considered was buying a QCTP a little bigger than would
normally be on that size machine and modifying it to fit.

Unless you're a serious abuser, make it out of any free-machining
steel you have on hand. No other steel will be stiffer, and if
strength becomes an issue, you need to re-design the tool post.
Anything rigid enough to work won't begin to approach the limits of
strength for any grade of steel.

Commercially, such things are made of harder steel, to keep the
ham-fisted from stripping out clamping-screw threads, etc.

--
Ed Huntress

On Jan 8, 9:17*pm, "Bob La Londe" wrote:
*I think I have most of
the mechanics of machining it figured out. *I can do it on the RF-30
manually probably the fastest, and turn the register on the lathe. *I'm just
wondering about the base material to make it out of. *I see myself abusing
this tool post and just don't think aluminum is going to last worth a darn.

wrote in message
...
On Jan 8, 9:17 pm, "Bob La Londe" wrote:
I think I have most of
the mechanics of machining it figured out. I can do it on the RF-30
manually probably the fastest, and turn the register on the lathe. I'm
just
wondering about the base material to make it out of. I see myself
abusing
this tool post and just don't think aluminum is going to last worth a
darn.
Cast iron? Some alloy of tool steel? I think I'll hold off on any
exotics
like titanium until the Hurco mill is finished. LOL.

Look in the drop box. Stevenson put in a design for a tool post that
is good.

I would make one out of something like 4340.

Dan


Any ideas what file names to look for?

"Bob La Londe" wrote in message
...
wrote in message
...
On Jan 8, 9:17 pm, "Bob La Londe" wrote:
I think I have most of
the mechanics of machining it figured out. I can do it on the RF-30
manually probably the fastest, and turn the register on the lathe. I'm
just
wondering about the base material to make it out of. I see myself
abusing
this tool post and just don't think aluminum is going to last worth a
darn.
Cast iron? Some alloy of tool steel? I think I'll hold off on any
exotics
like titanium until the Hurco mill is finished. LOL.

Look in the drop box. Stevenson put in a design for a tool post that
is good.

I would make one out of something like 4340.

Dan


Any ideas what file names to look for?

Just by searching for Steven's Tool Post I found this interesting page
documenting somebody making one from his plans:
http://www.rt66.com/~hypoxic/tool_post/toolpost.html


I already like this guy and I haven't even gotten tot eh meat of the page:
"By admitting to my errors, I hope other beginners will take heart, and
recognize their own mistakes for the education they represent."

"Bob La Londe" wrote in message
...
"Bob La Londe" wrote in message
...
wrote in message
...
On Jan 8, 9:17 pm, "Bob La Londe" wrote:
I think I have most of
the mechanics of machining it figured out. I can do it on the RF-30
manually probably the fastest, and turn the register on the lathe. I'm
just
wondering about the base material to make it out of. I see myself
abusing
this tool post and just don't think aluminum is going to last worth a
darn.
Cast iron? Some alloy of tool steel? I think I'll hold off on any
exotics
like titanium until the Hurco mill is finished. LOL.

Look in the drop box. Stevenson put in a design for a tool post that
is good.

I would make one out of something like 4340.

Dan


Any ideas what file names to look for?

Just by searching for Steven's Tool Post I found this interesting page
documenting somebody making one from his plans:
http://www.rt66.com/~hypoxic/tool_post/toolpost.html


I already like this guy and I haven't even gotten tot eh meat of the page:
"By admitting to my errors, I hope other beginners will take heart, and
recognize their own mistakes for the education they represent."

Have to say I like the Stevenson design. Using the draw back wedge it
should force the tool holder forward against the leading edge of the tool
holder block slot for consistent depth to center. I wondered about the
through boring until I looked at the two wedges. I guess I better square up
the vise on the RF-30. Think I may go with some O1 tool steel for this.

wrote in message
...

I would make one out of something like 4340.

I'd suggest A36 instead.

http://www.speedymetals.com/c-8250-a-36.aspx

No real mechanical advantage in using something like that and purchasing
alloy steel would probably cost nearly twice as much...

On Sun, 8 Jan 2012 19:17:43 -0700
"Bob La Londe" wrote:

snip
The other thing I considered was buying a QCTP a little bigger than would
normally be on that size machine and modifying it to fit.

Have you looked at the HF version?

http://www.harborfreight.com/quick-c...the-42806.html

===
Quick Change Tool Post Set for Mini Lathe
Item # 42806
Manufacturer: Central Machinery
Only:$99.99

Description:

Speed up your mini-lathe operations and enjoy the convenience of easy
tool setup with this quick-change tool set. Tool posts feature
dovetail-type locking system.
-5 tool holders : turning, knurling/turning, parting tool, boring bar and
boring/turning holders
-3/8" capacity drill chuck with mandrel and chuck key
-3 hex wrenches and knurl set

Shipping Weight: 6.10 lbs.
===

Read the comments at HF first. Some people had trouble making it fit
their mini-lathes.

I like the idea of making your own though

--
Leon Fisk
Grand Rapids MI/Zone 5b
Remove no.spam for email

On 1/9/2012 10:52 AM, Leon Fisk wrote:
On Sun, 8 Jan 2012 19:17:43 -0700
"Bob La wrote:

snip
The other thing I considered was buying a QCTP a little bigger than would
normally be on that size machine and modifying it to fit.

Have you looked at the HF version?

http://www.harborfreight.com/quick-c...the-42806.html

===
Quick Change Tool Post Set for Mini Lathe
Item # 42806
Manufacturer: Central Machinery
Only:$99.99

Description:

Speed up your mini-lathe operations and enjoy the convenience of easy
tool setup with this quick-change tool set. Tool posts feature
dovetail-type locking system.
-5 tool holders : turning, knurling/turning, parting tool, boring bar and
boring/turning holders
-3/8" capacity drill chuck with mandrel and chuck key
-3 hex wrenches and knurl set

Shipping Weight: 6.10 lbs.
===

Read the comments at HF first. Some people had trouble making it fit
their mini-lathes.

I like the idea of making your own though

Made from aluminum or steel?

Paul

On Jan 8, 11:12*pm, "PrecisionmachinisT"
wrote:

No real mechanical advantage in using something like that and purchasing
alloy steel would probably cost nearly twice as much...

Summerville Steel in Tukwila used to sell alloy steel drops and
cutoffs for 40 cents a lb. May still do that.


Dan

----- Original Message -----
From:
Newsgroups: rec.crafts.metalworking
Sent: Monday, January 09, 2012 8:07 PM
Subject: Tool Post Home Made


On Jan 8, 11:12 pm, "PrecisionmachinisT"
wrote:

No real mechanical advantage in using something like that and purchasing
alloy steel would probably cost nearly twice as much...

Summerville Steel in Tukwila used to sell alloy steel drops and
cutoffs for 40 cents a lb. May still do that.



Does he live someplace near Tukwila ?

On 1/9/2012 10:52 AM, Leon Fisk wrote:
On Sun, 8 Jan 2012 19:17:43 -0700
"Bob La wrote:

snip
The other thing I considered was buying a QCTP a little bigger than would
normally be on that size machine and modifying it to fit.

Have you looked at the HF version?

http://www.harborfreight.com/quick-c...the-42806.html

===
Quick Change Tool Post Set for Mini Lathe
Item # 42806
Manufacturer: Central Machinery
Only:$99.99

Description:

Speed up your mini-lathe operations and enjoy the convenience of easy
tool setup with this quick-change tool set. Tool posts feature
dovetail-type locking system.
-5 tool holders : turning, knurling/turning, parting tool, boring bar and
boring/turning holders
-3/8" capacity drill chuck with mandrel and chuck key
-3 hex wrenches and knurl set

Shipping Weight: 6.10 lbs.
===

Read the comments at HF first. Some people had trouble making it fit
their mini-lathes.

I like the idea of making your own though

there is a very nicely made miniature Aloris clone, very tiny, at little
machine shop dot com

On Jan 10, 1:29*am, "PrecisionmachinisT"
wrote:

Summerville Steel in Tukwila used to sell alloy steel drops and
cutoffs for 40 cents a lb. *May still do that.

Does he live someplace near Tukwila *?

I do not think so, but I think you do.

Dan

On Jan 10, 8:24*am, " wrote:
On Jan 10, 1:29*am, "PrecisionmachinisT"

wrote:
Summerville Steel in Tukwila used to sell alloy steel drops and
cutoffs for 40 cents a lb. *May still do that.

Does he live someplace near Tukwila *?

I do not think so, but I think you do.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Dan

Tools4cheap.net has a nice clone also, similar to Phase II, import,
but decent quality,

Nelson
www.Hobby-Machinist.com