QC Toolpost Recommendation

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Illuminated

Enlightened
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Oct 26, 2002
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Tipp City, Ohio
Hello All,

I finally bought an import 7x12 mini-lathe (well, sort of...) and I'm trying to decide on a QC toolpost kit and need some feedback.

Does anyone have this one from HF and would you recommend it?

HF QC Toolpost kit

Or...would you recommend this one from TS Engineering instead?

TS Eng QC Toolpost kit

I originally bought the 7x10 from my local HF retail store. I specifically asked the salesperson if there would be any problem returning it for a refund if I took it home, looked it over, and decided not to keep it for whatever reason. I was told I could do so as long as I returned it within 30 days of purchase.

When I went to a local industrial tool shop to buy some cutters, they made me a deal on the 7X12 version that I couldn't pass up, so they agreed to hold it for me until I could return the HF 7x10 and get my money.

Trouble is that the HF saleperson didn't point out their return policy when I had asked at the time of purchase. Seems that ANY in-store cash purchase over $100 would be refunded via a check mailed within 10 days! ARRRGGHH!!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif

So, I'll likely be getting my lathe by the end of the week...

Thanks in advance - John
 
I'm still a newbie at this, but my recommendation would be for the TS Eng QC Toolpost. The HF does offer extras, but the retention system does not look as stable or quick to change as the TS version.

Yes, you do get more stuff with the HF version for $20 less, but a better knurler is not that expensive (scissor or clamp-type knurlers are better), and get a chuck with MT2 arbor to fit in the tailstock. Centering a chuck/drill from the toolpost is a PITA.

HTH
 
HTH,

Thanks - understood. Seems the TS unit comes highly recommended, and I already have an MT2 arbor and ball-bearing drill chuck from my drill press.

John
 
I purchased a TS QCTP from the manufacturer at eBay, won at 46.99 + 8 shipping, search for seller rmteo, he sells QCTP every 3 days and they usually finish around 45-50, but if you wait to the last minute maybe you can win one with a lower tag.

All of the units are the same, the only difference is the attaching screw, but when you call to pay via CC he asks you about which lathe do you have.

I still waiting for my lathe (less than a month to go...)

if you want to know anything else about the unit, just let me know.

Pablo
 
forgot to tell, at Littlemachineshop the exact same unit sells for 99.95 so its better to save that extra 50 for a knurling set and centering drills, which I purchased from LMS, knurler center drill

enjoy
Pablo
PS: just in case someone asks, I purchased all this before I receive my lathe because I went to the USA 10 days ago, and there this stuff is cheaper than in BUE.
 
using this link you can see the actual + previous week closing prices, I watched this seller for about 2 months prior to ordering, and found that the auctions that finish on weekends finish cheaper than workdays.

my winning bid

And when I won I called the guy and he is willing to send everywhere so CAN is ok.

happy bidding
Pablo
 
The Harbor Freight toolpost is on sale, but it's been back-ordered since I ordered it March 20th. It was finally shipped via snail, turtle and mule-train yetserday. I expect to have it before the 4th of july. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

The part includes a knurler and 4 tool holders.

The part in question:

QUICK CHANGE TOOL POST SET FOR MINI LATHE

Daniel

Daniel
 
Illuminated---I have used the TS toolpost for work-related stuff (mostly Al and plastics, just a little steel).
It is a quality product and I highly recommend it.--Marc
 
Thanks Marc,

Ordered one immediately after starting this thread - it IS rather nice to use /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

John
 
I ordered the Harbor Freight QCTP #42806 back in April and got it last week. That's only 2 and a half months.


I've only used it a little, but....

The post is wider than most. It puts the tool almost 2 inches from the screw in the middle. The stock tool post puts the tool a bit over 1/2 inch from the center of the tool post. If you don't put the tool on the right side of the post, you might lose cutting ability.

The tool holders are, well, different, In the picture below, you'll see that the tool post has slots cut into the side. The tool holders have a block that mates with the slot. This is backwards from most of the QCTP that I see. Most have the slot on the tool holder. I have not found a source for "extra" tool holders. The holders are clamped by tightening the screw on the side with an allen wrench.

42806.gif


The parting tool holder works fine. It's a great improvement over the shims and spacers I used with the stock posts. It will handle 1/2 tall parting tools.

There are no instructions. Did you know that the knurling tool really wants to be used with the tailstock center? without it you push the work off center. I think a scissor type knurling tool is in my future.

The 1/2 inch hole in the boring bar holder also accepts the 3/8 inch drill chuck.

The tool post is heavy duty and solid. It appears to have been machined out of a block of steel. The surfaces appear to be true and every thing fits OK. I like it better than the stock one, but If I were to do it again, I'd probably go for one of the others.


Daniel
 
I have both HF and the LMS one.

I stopped using the HF for several reasons.

1) The tightner system is an allen screw. Not very quick if you are constantly changing tools all the time. For the casual user, this shouldn't be an issue. For me, I want to finish as fast as possible and move on to other stuff.

2) The stop depth screws are not long enough to get the tip centered. The allen screws should be replaced with longer ones. Me, I just lived with them being on the hairy edge all the time and eventually switched over. Since the stop gauge was almost all the way off, getting them to seat and stop at the same depth becomes problamatic (IMO).

The good thing about the HF is the solid construction. I don't think it is made of aluminum and it is very solid.

I just torque my LMS and the QC handle binds as I turn it. I'm sure this is because the LMS is made out of aluminum which worried me from the getgo.

Just my 0.02 worth.

Wayne
 
What QC tool post would work for a full size southbend lathe?

I've got a full set of non-indexed tool holders already.

Is the mini TS Eng QC Toolpost too small?
 
For the knurler I purchased from LMS this one
1911.jpg


Here is the description

it cames with 3 sets of knurls!!

you just put one knurl on top of the piece and the other at the bottom, adjust the height, make 2 or 3 manual 180 degrees turns (back and forth) and then engage the minilathe at low speed, thats it, perfect knurlings with no calculations!!!

my 0.02 of peso

Pablo
 
I just discovered another reason to look at a Phase II or other QCTP rather than the HF #42806.

I was trying to knurl a second time. The first time tried to use the knurling tool I learned that I should use a live center to keep the work from being pushed out of the way by the simple knurling tool. I laboriously counted the teeth on the knurling wheels, did the required calculations and then set up a 1/2 inch aluminum rod to test. I center drilled the end of the rod and set up the live center.

That's when I ran into trouble.

The big, square body of the QCTP hit the edge of the live center before the knurling wheel touched the rod. Changing the knurler to the QCTP's other slot would have required at least 4 inches of rod hanging out of the chuck PLUS the area I was knurling.

You do have sufficient clearance with 3/4 inch rod or larger.

I did manage to knurl a small part of the rod without the live center, validating my calculations.

Daniel
 
[ QUOTE ]
cy said:
What QC tool post would work for a full size southbend lathe?

I've got a full set of non-indexed tool holders already.

Is the mini TS Eng QC Toolpost too small?

[/ QUOTE ]

Hi Cy,

You have a South Bend? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon15.gif<--me

Try KBC tools, the TS engineering version may be too short for the 9"(?) swing of your SB lathe. They have a great selection of QC toolposts for larger lathes, but they are pricey.

PEU - I followed your link and got myself a QCTP from rmteo as well ($55). Thanks again for the lead.
 
[ QUOTE ]
PEU said:
go for the TS engineering toolpost, is about $50 at ebay look for seller RMTEO, I'm using it from day one, it's so practical you wouldnt imagine.

Pablo

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for the pointer. I found that he appears to have auctions running all the time. I just got one for $50 to supplement (well, to replace) the one I got from HF (that I don't really like).

As there are two auctions for the same part that end at the same time, you may need to keep a close eye on both in order to get one. I saw one of them jump 10 dollars in the last 2 minutes while the other was ignored.

Daniel
 
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