New tooling for my Flather 36" lathe

[mweidner]

Good Morning!

I am brand new at metal working and I acquired a beautiful 1905 Flather 36" metal lathe. I have purchased a couple of books to start learning, but I had a question I wanted to ask here so I could get started.

I can clamp in standard cutting tools, but most I see online are pretty small to clamp into my unit, the ones I have with it are about 1" from top to bottom. Can I just buy the smaller ones and then use metal shims to make up the difference (and set where vertically the tool should ride?). Or do I need to find ones that are more fit for this specific lathe?

Thanks!

​

 

[Aukai]

For learning I would use the smaller ones(not too small), and shim to center height. Smarter people than me will be along soon....

 

[SouthernChap]

I don't know the state of eBay in the US, but over here in the UK you can't move for people selling ex-production 1" shank indexable tool holders.

Or even better, 1" square HSS tooling that some machinist or other has ground, and just needs a touch up on a bench grinder.

The latter would be even better for you, because learning to grind HSS tooling on a bench grinder or belt sander is a very handy skill to have and teaches a lot about how lathe tooling works to cut metal.

Oh and we'll want some more pictures of your lathe than just the one of your toolpost! Machine tool pictures are like crack for forum members!

 

[markba633csi]

36" swing? Wow

 

[mweidner]

36" swing? Wow

Ah sorry, it can do 36" long, I haven't measured exactly, but I think it can do 12" diameter. Its an amazing old machine, and in really pretty good condition.

This picture is from the day I moved it (the upper pulleys/motor were removed in this picture for transport, but I have it fully setup now and running)

 

[markba633csi]

I'd probably change to a more modern toolholder but hey, whatever works
Myself I like 1/4" HSS tools- easy to sharpen and cheap

 

[Jim F]

I'd probably change to a more modern toolholder but hey, whatever works
Myself I like 1/4" HSS tools- easy to sharpen and cheap

3/8 - 1/2 would be better for his set-up.
I prefer 3/8 for my SB 9.

 

[Jimsehr]

The thing that counts is getting the tool tip on lathe center.
Use what tools you have with shims bringing them up to center.
Or buy a carbide insert tool that does that chore for you.