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.