I bought the all steel QCTP (Quick Change Tool Post) from LittleMachineShop.com $135.00.
It works fine. I was a little surprised that it has a smaller "foot print" than the factory tool post. See attachment.
For our mini-lathes, this is the OXA size tool post. The next larger size up is the AXA (175.00) and while I suspect the "foot print" on that one is at least as large as the factory tool post, it won't fit correctly on the existing compound rest bottom. To go with the AXA size, you have to also purchase (from LittleMachineShop) their modified compound rest bottom (35.00). All in all, to go with the AXA size QCTP you're looking at spending $75.00 more over the OXA.
I decided not to go with the AXA size for two reasons:
1. My mini-lathe is a HF 7x12 with a brush type motor. Brush-less motors have a lot more torque and power. As a result, I don't think I'll be doing any work that will be pushing my lathe to it's maximum performance limits.
2. I also have a standard 3 inch chuck and don't have any plans to buy a larger one. So, again, I don't think I'll be turning any really large material that warrants a larger chuck, a brush-less higher torque motor or a larger AXA size QCTP, which would provide more mass and rigidity.
So, in the end, the OXA size QCTP works for my setup.
It works fine. I was a little surprised that it has a smaller "foot print" than the factory tool post. See attachment.
For our mini-lathes, this is the OXA size tool post. The next larger size up is the AXA (175.00) and while I suspect the "foot print" on that one is at least as large as the factory tool post, it won't fit correctly on the existing compound rest bottom. To go with the AXA size, you have to also purchase (from LittleMachineShop) their modified compound rest bottom (35.00). All in all, to go with the AXA size QCTP you're looking at spending $75.00 more over the OXA.
I decided not to go with the AXA size for two reasons:
1. My mini-lathe is a HF 7x12 with a brush type motor. Brush-less motors have a lot more torque and power. As a result, I don't think I'll be doing any work that will be pushing my lathe to it's maximum performance limits.
2. I also have a standard 3 inch chuck and don't have any plans to buy a larger one. So, again, I don't think I'll be turning any really large material that warrants a larger chuck, a brush-less higher torque motor or a larger AXA size QCTP, which would provide more mass and rigidity.
So, in the end, the OXA size QCTP works for my setup.
.