I'm looking to add a rear tool post to my Bantam for parting, grooving and threading form tools and looking for any advice/comments before marking and cutting.
The Bantam cross slide does not have T slots, but is already drilled and tapped for a T slot plinth and rear toolpost (illustration from lathe manual):
While I could replicate this, it would be nicer to fit Dickson T1/S1 tool holders and I have a spare QCTP, which could be mounted though think it might be a little bulky. I'm planning to make a raised plinth (5" x 3.5" x 2" wdh) which will screw down across the rear of the cross slide and matching the height and T slot cut in the compound. This will secure down with six 5/16 x 18 UNC bolts using the existing threaded holes (capped with grub screws here to keep the swarf out):
Not sure what the two tapped holes and two untapped holes were for, but seem to be common with other Mk1 Bantam cross slides.
With the plinth and tool post I should still be able turn just over 6" diameter and comfortably clear a 5" chuck - though always have the option to remove it if necessary.
I have two pieces of Meehanite (GGL25CA), the larger cut to machine the plinth and the offcut is sufficient to make a single Dickson QCTP or a couple of extra tool holders if needed.
Time for a drawing or three, but probably just roughs on paper till I get a clearer idea as my SketchUp/FreeCAD skills are rather dire!
The Bantam cross slide does not have T slots, but is already drilled and tapped for a T slot plinth and rear toolpost (illustration from lathe manual):
While I could replicate this, it would be nicer to fit Dickson T1/S1 tool holders and I have a spare QCTP, which could be mounted though think it might be a little bulky. I'm planning to make a raised plinth (5" x 3.5" x 2" wdh) which will screw down across the rear of the cross slide and matching the height and T slot cut in the compound. This will secure down with six 5/16 x 18 UNC bolts using the existing threaded holes (capped with grub screws here to keep the swarf out):
Not sure what the two tapped holes and two untapped holes were for, but seem to be common with other Mk1 Bantam cross slides.
With the plinth and tool post I should still be able turn just over 6" diameter and comfortably clear a 5" chuck - though always have the option to remove it if necessary.
I have two pieces of Meehanite (GGL25CA), the larger cut to machine the plinth and the offcut is sufficient to make a single Dickson QCTP or a couple of extra tool holders if needed.
Time for a drawing or three, but probably just roughs on paper till I get a clearer idea as my SketchUp/FreeCAD skills are rather dire!