The tool block is finished. It is a lot more stable than the compound. Here it is parting with a 1" lathe tool which has a GTN3 insert. This is a big tool for a much bigger lathe. It worked, however there was still something loose somewhere since after some cutting, the tool would dive. I'm not sure where it was coming from, but it seemed the cross slide would get looser after a while, as would the carriage lock. The cut could be completed by remembering to tighten them periodically. Here is a picture. It worked better, but I wouldn't say it was great. It was probably not worth the effort, but it was interesting.