would like input on new tool post

[OlCatBob]

Hey folks,

i picked up some scrap pieces at the yard the other day, and I saw "tool post" in them. The easiest answer is piston type by bolting a piece onto the back and tapping a hole.
Just wondered what your imagination sees.

the cast piece has 60 degree dove tail 2.31" wide at widest (back) and the two pieces of dove tailed stock are only 2" at widest. it is obviously made for a gib (5/16?) to tighten it up. I actually had considered making a slightly tapered gib to just tap into place to lock it. On further consideration, i decided that an interupted cut may jar it loose.

Anyway, just thought I would throw it out there for more ideas.
Thanks,
Bob

 

[Terrywerm]

It looks to me like those castings are for a make-it-yourself milling attachment for a lathe.

 

[John Hasler]

Build a shaper.

 

[Bill Gruby]

It looks to me like those castings are for a make-it-yourself milling attachment for a lathe.

I agree.

"Billy G"

 

[OlCatBob]

You are absolutely right about that thought, but I already have a mill and a shaper, it would seem redundant... LOL
I have a lantern post and a 4-way for my 14" Rockford at the moment, but thought I might try a quick change post for the heck of it.
Maybe I will reconsider...
I do appreciate the input though, and if someone else has ideas I'll gladly consider those too.
Bob

 

[OlCatBob]

Well, I finally found some shop time yesterday and today; I did make some progress on my tool post. I decided to go with a modified wedge design. I did manage to destroy my 3/8" tool holder in the process, when my vise failed to hold things properly.
I did however manage to salvage the piece I was making as I wasn't far enough into it to totally screw it up.
I ran out of time today, but did make some progress, as the two pics will show.

 

[OlCatBob]

I made a little more progress this weekend, still need to tweak a few things though. My spring to open the jaw to change posts is beefier than I expected, so need to trim a little shorter. I also need to do something with the pivot pin, such as trim it down, it is hardened. I am going to use a roll pin through the acme thread to lock it down to the body, and have the handle loose. I have an 82 degree countersink, but need to find a 90 degree version so as to drill and countersink larger diameter bolts through my dovetail pieces to connect them to each of my five tool block pieces. Pic shows the start of my boring bar holder, tooling holders are similar sized.
I'll attach a few pics, too.

 

[randyc]

Looking good !

 

[caster]

I am impressed with what you have done with some scrap, one mans junk is another mans treasure. I like the wedge design, is the locking handle between the tool post and the work?

Caster

 

[OlCatBob]

Caster,

thanks for the comments, I'm not sure exactly what you are asking there, the handle locks the dovetail in the position as shown. I used an acme thread shaft from a scissor jack that also came from the scrapyard. It is 1/2 diameter 10 TPI. this will allow for .025 of thread for a 1/4 turn of the handle. The handle is mounted roughly half way between the hinge or pivot post and the dovetail, which actually allows for approximately 0.050" opening to slide the tool holder into place.

Bob