Quick QC tool post question

[DeepLogic]

I'm looking to add a QC tool post to my Craftsman/Atlas 12" lathe. Am I right in assuming I will no longer be able to use all my 1/4" tool bits with the QC? Have to switch to 1/2"?
Thanks for any advice.

 

[erikmannie]

You can shim them.

 

[DeepLogic]

Oh, that would help. Are they much more prone to chatter if I go that way?

 

[NC Rick]

The qc tool post holders (assuming AXA for that sized lathe) will have height adjustment to allow you to get your center height set correctly. Scheck this out while mounting the tool post up.

 

[erikmannie]

Oh, that would help. Are they much more prone to chatter if I go that way?

A lot of machinists use 4 position tool posts, usually with shims.

I have never used a shim in this application, so I don’t know if chatter is a problem.

 

[Doug Gray]

Shim under the entire length of the tool. An HSS tool blank works well. make sure everything is nice and clean when mounting your tools, IE no chips/ or dust.

 

[DeepLogic]

Thanks so much for the quick replies everyone. I ordered my QC and some 1/2" bit too. Can't wait to try this out.

 

[erikmannie]

Did you get AXA or BXA?

 

[benmychree]

A 1/2" tool bit requires a lot of grinding; you would be better off using smaller bits, one can do a lot of cutting with 1/4" tool bits, and the Atlas is not such a lathe for heavy cutting that would require bits as large as 1/2".

 

[T Bredehoft]

I made an 8 pitch Acme external threading tool from 1/8" square HHS, let it into (cut a 1/8" keyway in the top of) a piece of 1/4" key-stock. It worked a charm and very little grinding, compared.