A lantern tool post is a tool. At times it is the best tool for the job. ...
Rather than spending a godawful amount of money on a commercial QCTP and their tool holders I made a norman style QCTP. It is probably the original QCTP. The patent for the norman tool post was issued in the 1890's I believe. I can't see any benefit that the modern commercial QCTPs have over the normal except that you can buy it and don't have to make it. That's just MHO. Robsig has said he likes learning about and using older technology. If that is the case then he should think about making a norman.
Thanks! I just looked at the Norman design, and it is interesting of course, but as a newbie it is probably beyond my skill level.
Like 'Robsig', I have also said (was it a different thread?) that I enjoy learning about and using older technology. I've only made a couple of things so far with my Craftsman (Atlas 816), but I'm still fine with the lantern, even though it's slow to set up. Especially since I successfully made the rocker washer and rocker 'boat' that were missing, without investing any more $$ at all. And spending a lot of time grinding various 3/16" cutters (right-face, left-face, general purpose, etc.) is also enjoyable at this point. The process helps me learn and appreciate the good/bad.
At the museum where I volunteer, we have 2 much larger lathes (they weigh multiple tons) that I hope to get operational, just as a learning experience. The last time they were used was in the 1970's or 1980's. They both have lantern posts.
I'll report back when I've made some progress.
The first big lathe I'll be working on is described as follows:
Engine lathe, Sidney Tool Co.
19" swing, 146" bed, 96" centers. Overall about 13 feet long.
Flat belt (from overhead line shaft) drives 3-speed spindle cone.
3 speed compound gear box, 8 speed gear change box.
Pete
