Thread: New QCTP - which one?

Mark,
There is no doubt the "multifix" style toolpost as in the 2994 link is one of the better designs, but the size I think for the AL-960 dimensioned machine is too large. One of the dimensions you have to look at is the distance from the hold down point to the tool centre line, or roughly the "U" dimension for the above. The shorter within reason of clearing the end of the top slide the better. Look at a 4 way tool post for reference. Also with this type of tool post if you want to make special holders its more difficult compared to the "Dickson" style as in your L-293 reference. I would say the L-295 would be closer to meeting requirements, this is what I use on a lathe slightly larger in swing than what you mention. A large toolpost on a smaller lathe tends to run into clearance problems more so at the tailstock end or on shoulder work. Alan.

Hi Alan,

Thanks for your reply. I was beginning to think that no-one had an opinion on the best QCTP! I thought it might have been like opening a can of worms - obviously not.

Unfortunately I made a mistake copying the link for the position tool post. I listed the correct model - E5 - but I gave the link to the larger B2 size. The correct link is below.
E5 https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/Pr...tockCode=L2992

This gives a smaller U dimension - 73mm down to 66mm - actually LESS than the same dimension - dim. C - for the A sized toolpost(75mm).

I would go for the L295 as you suggest but for one reason - I have some 20mm shank tools and the L295 only takes 16mm. I could change down to 16mm, but I assume that the larger section tools are better? It seems that the E5 only extends the C or U dimension by 6mm over the L295 you suggest. Given this 6mm difference, which way would you go?

Look forward to reading your thoughts,
Mark

Mark,
OK understand now. Based on your earlier info I presume your lathe is for home shop type use and the motor is around 3hp and that the topslide would be around 80mm wide. The E5 holder would then be about max size for this machine as I think the tool holders are about 90mm wide, in other words the tool holder is probably wider than the topslide. I would not get too concerned on your 20mm shank tooling, its relatively easy to bring it back to 16mm. While I like the "multifix" type setup and the repeatability it provides, I doubt you would see much difference to the "dickson" type or L-295 toolpost on your lathe, which I think would be a better fit dimensionally. If you want to pm me your email address I can send some photos of the above toolpost on a Colchester master lathe, which I think would be slightly larger than your machine. (Not computer literate otherwise I could post here).
Again home made tool holders can be a useful addition to the workshop and the dickson type are easier to make. The other thing to consider is tool quality, presuming these are made where most things come from today, manufacturing quality can be a bit hit and miss, if possible have a look at what you are actually getting. I know H&F in Perth have the E5 in stock as I looked at it several days ago.
If your machine is being used industrially then disregard the above and go for the largest size that will fit. Alan.