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A very useful toolpost accessory

 

Hi guys. I don't often post my videos here but I wanted to share this one.

After becoming frustrated at the difficulty of holding tools with a round shank at perfect centre height I made this holed 4-way type toolpost for my lathe which makes things much easier. I call it my "Swiss Cheese" tool post for obvious reasons.

The reason I wanted to share this is because it has become incredibly useful, even more so than I imagined. Since I made it I've use it in all manner of ways and I've begun to wonder why this sort if thing isn't commonplace?

Anyway here is the video:?
 

Nice job, ?I like that. ?Fixed Center-height can be advantageous too. ?
 

The recently discussed "hkoesnadi" toolpost includes one adjustable height 3/8" dia. boring bar holder.? There is also an adjustable holder big enough for a Dremel that has space to be drilled for something else.? I much prefer quick change posts with adjustability.
 

In my opinion. (and it may be an unpopular one) QCTP's are pretty useless on micro lathes. ?

QCTP tool holders for example are usually as big if not bigger than a bog standard tool post making them clumsy in use. They are also generally less rigid thanks to the increased leverage point and almost always more expensive to boot. Even the claims of being "Quick" are questionable. Once a tool has been set in a standard tool post it can be slided in and out of the t-slot in seconds. I don't really see where the advantages are?

Granted they make more sense on bigger machines.?
 

I just got my set, super happy with it as it looks out of the box - haven't been able to use it yet, but I think it will be great for my purposes. I also contacted Harry and ordered some extra 1/4" and 5/16" holders, just cuz, and only $12 each.

I'm really excited about the Dremel holder. Not sure what the use case will be, but I usually find myself in a "how the hell will I do that?" situation, and I think it will come in handy.
 

I use one of the hkoesnadi toolposts on a Cowells, which is a more rigid lathe than a Unimat.? The ability to switch quickly from a linear cutting tool to a facing one is to me a big benefit.? I have a Cowells brand QC toolpost, which is steel, but only holds a tool for one direction.? So I have to unbolt it and turn to do facing, which is slow.? I find little difference between the Cowells and an aluminum QC post.? For a lot of our applications, possibly the concept of rigidity is overdone.? Many members here have commented favorably on the hkoesnadi QC aluminum post.
Maybe I don't have these tools that you slide in and out of a regular toolpost and they are set just right.
 

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I am in at least partial agreement. But then I am one of the few I know of who often uses the old fashioned, lantern style tool posts on the big lathe. It adjusts more quickly and fits into tight spaces when working on small workpieces.

I think the key to getting real value out of a QCTP is having LOTS of tool holders. Every cutter in your drawer that gets frequent use should have its own tool holder. Otherwise, like you say, you might as well just change the cutter in the tool post.

I've been known to change the cutter in a williams style tool holder without removing the tool holder from the tool post.

I do what makes sense in the moment. Usually works out. Usually...

On 5/13/23 10:30, Unimat Matt wrote:

In my opinion. (and it may be an unpopular one) QCTP's are pretty useless on micro lathes. ?

QCTP tool holders for example are usually as big if not bigger than a bog standard tool post making them clumsy in use. They are also generally less rigid thanks to the increased leverage point and almost always more expensive to boot. Even the claims of being "Quick" are questionable. Once a tool has been set in a standard tool post it can be slided in and out of the t-slot in seconds. I don't really see where the advantages are?

Granted they make more sense on bigger machines.?

 

I guess it's all just personal preference, the best tool post is the one that suit your needs best. ?
 

Hello, Matt!
Interesting video!
Your Swiss Cheese tool post is a nice tool for the Unimat owner as it can easily be built on the Unimat itself.
I have one question. I noticed you are using a digital caliper as a layout tool. Is that caliper just dedicated to layout?
Dick
--
http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/?OFF-SET-tailstock-center-65965#post105972
?SMALL TURRET TOOL POST PLANS?
?LARGE TURRET TOOL POST PLANS
?MINI-LATHE CARRIAGE LOCK PLANS
?SMALL QC TOOL POST PLANS?
?QUICK CHANGE LATHE TURRET
?MINI LATHE COMPOUND PIVOT MODIFICATION
 

Yes, I have several, I know it's not best practice. The one in the video is just a cheap one I use for less critical "hobby grade" measuring. ?
 

Loved your video, thanks! I will be making one of those - seems like a great beginner project.
 

Hello Matt,
Years ago my boss had a caliper he used for layout. He would regrind the tips from time.
Dick
--
http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/?OFF-SET-tailstock-center-65965#post105972
?SMALL TURRET TOOL POST PLANS?
?LARGE TURRET TOOL POST PLANS
?MINI-LATHE CARRIAGE LOCK PLANS
?SMALL QC TOOL POST PLANS?
?QUICK CHANGE LATHE TURRET
?MINI LATHE COMPOUND PIVOT MODIFICATION
 

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Tryally tech makes a tiny wedge type QCTP that comes with a dozen carbide round shank tools. All of his image0.jpegimage1.jpegare 1/8” dia carbide with a flat.?

I have one of these and have bought used 3/16 carbide tools like this on eBay with almost no wear.?

I have bolted in small blocks or stepped blocks of 12L14 into the std Unimat tool holder and drilled them in place. A couple set screws and that’s it. It has worked out very well. So well that I probably would not have bought the expensive post if I figured this out first. The blocks are easy to make and stay with the tools. Quick to change from turning to boring. The purchased carbide tools can be reground and the flat grind is always perfect on center.?


On May 13, 2023, at 7:45 AM, Unimat Matt <matthewtay2020@...> wrote:

?Hi guys. I don't often post my videos here but I wanted to share this one.

After becoming frustrated at the difficulty of holding tools with a round shank at perfect centre height I made this holed 4-way type toolpost for my lathe which makes things much easier. I call it my "Swiss Cheese" tool post for obvious reasons.

The reason I wanted to share this is because it has become incredibly useful, even more so than I imagined. Since I made it I've use it in all manner of ways and I've begun to wonder why this sort if thing isn't commonplace?

Anyway here is the video:?

<PSX_20230511_163932.jpg>
 

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image0.jpeg
This is an example of a used carbide tool in a rather rough tool holder on my U3.
Excellent finish with minimal torque due to the sharp tool.?


image1.jpeg


On May 13, 2023, at 1:44 PM, Tool247 via groups.io <Sjkochan@...> wrote:

?Tryally tech makes a tiny wedge type QCTP that comes with a dozen carbide round shank tools. All of his
<image0.jpeg>
<image1.jpeg>
are 1/8” dia carbide with a flat.?

I have one of these and have bought used 3/16 carbide tools like this on eBay with almost no wear.?

I have bolted in small blocks or stepped blocks of 12L14 into the std Unimat tool holder and drilled them in place. A couple set screws and that’s it. It has worked out very well. So well that I probably would not have bought the expensive post if I figured this out first. The blocks are easy to make and stay with the tools. Quick to change from turning to boring. The purchased carbide tools can be reground and the flat grind is always perfect on center.?


On May 13, 2023, at 7:45 AM, Unimat Matt <matthewtay2020@...> wrote:

?Hi guys. I don't often post my videos here but I wanted to share this one.

After becoming frustrated at the difficulty of holding tools with a round shank at perfect centre height I made this holed 4-way type toolpost for my lathe which makes things much easier. I call it my "Swiss Cheese" tool post for obvious reasons.

The reason I wanted to share this is because it has become incredibly useful, even more so than I imagined. Since I made it I've use it in all manner of ways and I've begun to wonder why this sort if thing isn't commonplace?

Anyway here is the video:?

<PSX_20230511_163932.jpg>
 

Matt,

Your video is just fantastic!? I love this project, the way you went about doing the work, and demonstrating possible uses for this simple tool.? Your writing and video production are top notch, as well. Everything flowed nicely. Swiss Cheese Tool Post was fun to watch. I felt like I was learning throughout the video. There's a lot to break down in those ~16min.

I think I'll build one of these deceptively simple Swiss Cheese Tool Posts and see how having it influences my design thinking and work processes.??

Matt, I hope you make more of these project videos. They're really something else.

Cheers,
James



On Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 10:44:04 AM PDT, Tool247 <sjkochan@...> wrote:


Tryally tech makes a tiny wedge type QCTP that comes with a dozen carbide round shank tools. All of his image0.jpegimage1.jpegare 1/8” dia carbide with a flat.?

I have one of these and have bought used 3/16 carbide tools like this on eBay with almost no wear.?

I have bolted in small blocks or stepped blocks of 12L14 into the std Unimat tool holder and drilled them in place. A couple set screws and that’s it. It has worked out very well. So well that I probably would not have bought the expensive post if I figured this out first. The blocks are easy to make and stay with the tools. Quick to change from turning to boring. The purchased carbide tools can be reground and the flat grind is always perfect on center.?


On May 13, 2023, at 7:45 AM, Unimat Matt <matthewtay2020@...> wrote:

?Hi guys. I don't often post my videos here but I wanted to share this one.

After becoming frustrated at the difficulty of holding tools with a round shank at perfect centre height I made this holed 4-way type toolpost for my lathe which makes things much easier. I call it my "Swiss Cheese" tool post for obvious reasons.

The reason I wanted to share this is because it has become incredibly useful, even more so than I imagined. Since I made it I've use it in all manner of ways and I've begun to wonder why this sort if thing isn't commonplace?

Anyway here is the video:?

<PSX_20230511_163932.jpg>
 

Thanks for all the kind words guys. ??

James - Your post was particularly nice to read, it makes the effort of making the videos seem more worthwhile if people enjoy watching. ?

Tool247 - I too think the micro carbide tools are fantastic! I don't have any tryally tech ones unfortunately but I have been trying to build up a collection of ex cnc stock.?
 

I've been proselytizing for having both lantern (AKA American) tool posts and quick-change tool posts for larger lathes. QCTP's are useful for repetitive setups and production work. Lantern tool posts are very useful for special problems, and getting to hard-to-reach areas with special tools. Working the perimeter of large wheels, or in deep holes, etc cetera.?

There are older books on special shapes and designs for tooling for lantern tool posts with hand-forged high-carbon tool-steel cutters from before HHS? Archive.org has a lot of material for both large and watch-maker sized lathes. Worth checking out!

Bill in OKC?

William R. Meyers, MSgt, USAF(Ret.)

Aphorisms to live by:
Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement.?
SEMPER GUMBY!
Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome.
Physics doesn't care about your schedule.
The only reason I know anything is because I've done it wrong enough times to START to know better.
Expect in one hand, expectorate in the other. See which one gets full first.



On Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 10:03:18 AM CDT, Davis Johnson <davis@...> wrote:


I am in at least partial agreement. But then I am one of the few I know of who often uses the old fashioned, lantern style tool posts on the big lathe. It adjusts more quickly and fits into tight spaces when working on small workpieces.

I think the key to getting real value out of a QCTP is having LOTS of tool holders. Every cutter in your drawer that gets frequent use should have its own tool holder. Otherwise, like you say, you might as well just change the cutter in the tool post.

I've been known to change the cutter in a williams style tool holder without removing the tool holder from the tool post.

I do what makes sense in the moment. Usually works out. Usually...

On 5/13/23 10:30, Unimat Matt wrote:
In my opinion. (and it may be an unpopular one) QCTP's are pretty useless on micro lathes. ?

QCTP tool holders for example are usually as big if not bigger than a bog standard tool post making them clumsy in use. They are also generally less rigid thanks to the increased leverage point and almost always more expensive to boot. Even the claims of being "Quick" are questionable. Once a tool has been set in a standard tool post it can be slided in and out of the t-slot in seconds. I don't really see where the advantages are?

Granted they make more sense on bigger machines.?

 

Hello,Matt

I am just curious. What model lathe do I see in your video? I don’t recognize it.

Thanks, Dick
--
http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/?OFF-SET-tailstock-center-65965#post105972
?SMALL TURRET TOOL POST PLANS?
?LARGE TURRET TOOL POST PLANS
?MINI-LATHE CARRIAGE LOCK PLANS
?SMALL QC TOOL POST PLANS?
?QUICK CHANGE LATHE TURRET
?MINI LATHE COMPOUND PIVOT MODIFICATION
 

Micro carbides may be very useful.? However, I do not want to pay $365 for this tool post, even though it looks very nice.? I am satisfied with the hkoesnadi for $110.? ?It is made in the USA, which is important to many of us here.? I think that a lot of Unimat enthusiasts will end up buying an Ebay Chinese copy for $50.? My general impression from what I see on some of these IO groups is that a lot of people are busy squeezing the buffalo on the nickel.

My favorite basic easily obtainable turning tools are the Harbor Freight for $24.99 for a set of five 1/4" shank indexable carbide tools.? They work OK, each insert has 3 points, if you wear it out, so what.

For a "better" post, the Sherline steel one is $227 this month. with 3 toolholders, 1/4, 3/8 and round.? Also US made.? It may be a little large for Unimats, but I have one each that came with 2 Sherlines.? They do the job, and have separate locking cap screws for each of the two directions.? No lever sticking out.
 

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If I would have built the modular holders for either EBay lots of used carbide micro cutters or made my own out of carbide rod/old end mills ?I would not have bought the Tryally.?

Dedicated block holders that position the tool dead on center because they were drilled on the machine used with a standard flat Unimat tool post are as fast or faster than a QCTP.?

That would be many tool blocks from one bar of 12l14 and some screws. One of the least expensive and very rigid options.?


On May 13, 2023, at 4:28 PM, John Hutnick <johnhutnick@...> wrote:

?Micro carbides may be very useful.? However, I do not want to pay $365 for this tool post, even though it looks very nice.? I am satisfied with the hkoesnadi for $110.? ?It is made in the USA, which is important to many of us here.? I think that a lot of Unimat enthusiasts will end up buying an Ebay Chinese copy for $50.? My general impression from what I see on some of these IO groups is that a lot of people are busy squeezing the buffalo on the nickel.

My favorite basic easily obtainable turning tools are the Harbor Freight for $24.99 for a set of five 1/4" shank indexable carbide tools.? They work OK, each insert has 3 points, if you wear it out, so what.

For a "better" post, the Sherline steel one is $227 this month. with 3 toolholders, 1/4, 3/8 and round.? Also US made.? It may be a little large for Unimats, but I have one each that came with 2 Sherlines.? They do the job, and have separate locking cap screws for each of the two directions.? No lever sticking out.

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