- Joined
- Dec 17, 2012
- Messages
- 630
Building a new 4-way tool post for my mini-lathe. Material: Free steel block I snagged at work that was abandoned at the horizontal bandsaw. Alloy: Mystery Meat.
About the same size as the original but with the slot to fit 3/8 tool bits with very little shimming if any where the stock tool post maxes out at 5/16 bits. Maybe 1 or 2 pieces of coke can shim strip to bring on center. Top and bottom faced in the 4-jaw chuck on the lathe. Drilled in steps on the lathe. Milling done on my X2 mill. 1/4 endmill slot done all the way around the bottom then opened up with a 3/8 two flute mill once I had the clearance. It actually is deep enough for the tool bit but It is just sitting there so I can test with tailstock for height. First time to use my chamfering bit from the "Little Hogger" carbide insert endmill set.
Still need to drill and tap the clamping screws. It's late so I will probably finish sometime this weekend. The dimple was just defect in the block but it makes a nice index mark so it stays. I think I will go for 3 SHCS for each side. Maybe 1/4-20 unless I have some 5mm or 6mm long enough. Whatever is on the original so I don't have a bunch of different sizes to deal with. I might try to heat treat and give an oil quench finish but I would have to go buy some gas. Also not sure I have a burner that puts out enough heat to get a piece that big up to temperature.
I have no idea about the sizing of the pics. First time for me to post images here.
About the same size as the original but with the slot to fit 3/8 tool bits with very little shimming if any where the stock tool post maxes out at 5/16 bits. Maybe 1 or 2 pieces of coke can shim strip to bring on center. Top and bottom faced in the 4-jaw chuck on the lathe. Drilled in steps on the lathe. Milling done on my X2 mill. 1/4 endmill slot done all the way around the bottom then opened up with a 3/8 two flute mill once I had the clearance. It actually is deep enough for the tool bit but It is just sitting there so I can test with tailstock for height. First time to use my chamfering bit from the "Little Hogger" carbide insert endmill set.
Still need to drill and tap the clamping screws. It's late so I will probably finish sometime this weekend. The dimple was just defect in the block but it makes a nice index mark so it stays. I think I will go for 3 SHCS for each side. Maybe 1/4-20 unless I have some 5mm or 6mm long enough. Whatever is on the original so I don't have a bunch of different sizes to deal with. I might try to heat treat and give an oil quench finish but I would have to go buy some gas. Also not sure I have a burner that puts out enough heat to get a piece that big up to temperature.
I have no idea about the sizing of the pics. First time for me to post images here.