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Tool Post Home Made
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. |
Tool Post Home Made
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 |
Tool Post Home Made
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. |
Tool Post Home Made
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? |
Tool Post Home Made
"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." |
Tool Post Home Made
"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. |
Tool Post Home Made
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... |
Tool Post Home Made
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 |
Tool Post Home Made
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 |
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. Dan |
Tool Post Home Made
----- 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 ? |
Tool Post Home Made
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 |
Tool Post Home Made
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 |
Tool Post Home Made
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 |
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