Finally back to this a bit, so time for an update.
Can't do much without a tool post, and the tool post that came with the lathe has some issues. The big one is - no BXA / 20x tool holders will fit on it except the one that came sitting on the tool post. The second supplied tool holder only fits on one side and none of the Grizzly tool holders I have fit at all. The "good" tool holders only fit part way on one side and the 2nd one that came with the lathe won't clear the piston on the other side. Pictures tell the story don't it:
There is a short "ground" lip at the top of the post:
The little lip as viewed from the post face:
Tool holders run down the face only as far as the ground section:
Post parts cleaned and tightened and this still sits proud of the post ways:
Bummer, yes. But I'll take this as an opportunity to wave the flag for the vendor, Enco. I made the call and after explaining the problem, the support desk became audibly interested in the problem and I was transferred to machine support. I'd mention the gentleman's name but I can't find my notes just now. I got an email address and forwarded the pictures. After they had some time to review the pictures - about a week ish which was OK since we had a business trip to California - I got a call from the machine support guy. "Sorry for the delay (no real delay) and a new tool post is on it's way to you. You should have it by the time you get back to Texas. It's a much better quality tool post than came with the lathe and it should resolve the problem."
So we get back and pick up the medium size brick of a box and you bet, this solves all issues:
A complete Phase II Series 200 tool post package. This is well above and beyond any expectations I had. Just a working post would have made me happy. Now I'm more like a kid at Christmas. They pretty much nailed down my business. It's really good to know that the little guys in this hobby/field have vendors that can be counted on to make things right when needed.
All the holders fit on this 200 series post - EXCEPT the only one that fit the buggered up post. That tool holder is made so sloppy that the pistons on the Phase II won't lock it in place. If they do not want the old pieces back I might be able to mill it - or just toss it in the scrap bin.
Now I can work on that 3 jaw mounting plate.