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?

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?

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 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

I've got two spares of these. One used and one unused: https://www.machineryhouse.co.nz/l292
Use one on my lathe.

Yep, those are the 200-series toolposts - bloody good. Mine I got for several hundy I think, and picked up two more toolholders later. Do not regret it one bit.

I still use a lot of HSS - as I tend to turn a lot of oddball stuff like urethane, engineering plastics and reaching into small areas and carbide is poo for that. Also, things that aren't free cutting can be nasty with carbide but with HSS you can give them a bit more hook and really get under the hard bit on top.

The 100 series I think is closer in size to what the one up top is for size, but might be able to get away with the 200? 200 series has more meat and more surface area at the bass so is more rigid. The center height measurement is what will dictate the post you need.

Originally Posted by No.3

Yep, bloody good. Mine I got for several hundy I think, and picked up two more toolholders later. Do not regret it one bit.

I still use a lot of HSS - as I tend to turn a lot of oddball stuff like urethane, engineering plastics and reaching into small areas and carbide is poo for that. Also, things that aren't free cutting can be nasty with carbide but with HSS you can give them a bit more hook and really get under the hard bit on top.

Really good carbide insert tools for plastics are the high rake, sharp inserts designed for aluminium. I just turned up a few bits of UHWMPE this morning and it's the best. Can also be on steel, but one wrong turn and the tip shatters on them.

Yeah, them spendy though. I have HSS here already ground and it was free haha.

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

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)