What size tool bit handle

JTs cuerepair

JTs cuerepair

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I have a new hightower lathe on it's way, Just wondering whats the best size tool bit handle to use, I had a lathe from Todd before and It had a small 1/4 tool bit on it. I hated it being that small it felt like it was a toy.
I think the Hightower lathe comes with the same size. I want to change to at least a bigger size like 3/8. I plan on buying a 5 piece set of handles and some nice carbide inserts. I know I will have to change the tool handle block, Just wondering how Big I can go, I think 3/8 would be better then the standard 1/4, Should I go bigger then 3/8, Do you think 1/2 is to big for this small taig based lathe. What do you guys use that have hightower lathes, Thanks for any help,
 
I have a quick change toolpost.

I use 3/8 kennametal holders with kt315 grade inserts.
They are expensive, but I like the way they work :)
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A2Z cnc had the quick change tool post on sale at one time. I was thinking it was $80.00 to $90.00 for it on ebay.


Jay Harper
Harper cues.
 
You can go as big as your tool holder will allow. Just remember that the cutting edge of the tool will no longer be on center. If you buy a QCTP like mentioned above its easy to change the height, not so with the fixed height holders.
 
Thanks Darcy

Thanks Darcy. What lathe are you using the QCTP on your deluxe or the Midsize ? I think the first thing I should do is get a QCTP then get the 3/8 handle and inserts. Any chance you have part numbers for that handle and the inserts you use ? Based on what the other person said As far as adjusting the hight it would be easer with a QCTP rather then the standard Block..
 
JT's cuerepair said:
Thanks Darcy. What lathe are you using the QCTP on your deluxe or the Midsize ? I think the first thing I should do is get a QCTP then get the 3/8 handle and inserts. Any chance you have part numbers for that handle and the inserts you use ? Based on what the other person said As far as adjusting the hight it would be easer with a QCTP rather then the standard Block..
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I use them on all my lathes.
I'll get the numbers for you later today.
Most guys on here are using inexpensive holders and inserts from harbour freight and the like.
I've had good results with these though :)
 
You have 2 ways to go. Get a QCTP or mill out the slot in the taig tool holders. That is what I did.

Kim
 
Thanks

Thanks for all the help guys,

That would be great Darcy if you could get me the part numbers to both, Handle and inserts, Take your time I can wait.
 
tool size

the 1/4 inch size fits the supplied tool holders for the Hightower lathe. One is able to use the 3/8 inch tools by milling the slot a little larger, paying attention to which edge gets milled and how much so that the tool aligns at the proper cut height. But others have pointed you to a quick release tool post and holders. I agree, that is the best way to go. I would not be without mine! Good luck!
 
QCTP prices

Anybody have an idea how much is a good price for these qctp without paying for Aloris and who supplies a good one for the money?
thanks,
sorry for the hijack...sort of on topic..
Bill
 
I charge $25 for the two way 3/8" toolposts if you need one and don't want the quick change.
 
I didn't know you sold them Chris..........

I did my own on the Deluxe using a taig milling slide and a 3/8 carbide router bit.

The 2 extra holes are for mounting the tool post on the milling slide.

The 3/8 insert is the original that came with the set of tools. I changed them to the better inserts.

I made 5 of them.

Kim

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cueman said:
I charge $25 for the two way 3/8" toolposts if you need one and don't want the quick change.
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Will this one hold the 3/8 round boring bar? If not do you have one that that will, that is not quick change?
Thanks,
Claud
 
I can't speak directly for Chris, but I have bought the gold tool holders from Chris before and he offered to mill out the tool holder opening to accept his 3/8" tip shaper, so it was already milled out perfectly when it arrived at my door.
 
I'm not sure why anyone wouldn't use a quick change toolpost....
Since getting one myself, I would never use anything else
 
cuejo said:
I'm not sure why anyone wouldn't use a quick change toolpost....
Since getting one myself, I would never use anything else
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I don't really use the tip shaper from Chris that much anymore since getting the hang of doing it by hand with a razor blade..... BUT..... when I did use Chris' tip shaper, my quick change tool post would not move inward enough to allow the use of the tip shaper, so I HAD to change back to the gold tool post when useing his tip shaper. Other than that, I use my QC religiously.
 
pdcue said:
Cost Benefit Analysis?

Dale
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Dale,
I'm with Darcy on this one. I had looked at them for years and wasn't sure if spending ~$100 was really worth it. I inquired here and was told it was worthwhile. And it WAS!
Because you mount a different tool - boring bar, indexable (or not) cutting tool, tip shaping template, dial indicator, etc - in each holder, the correct tool heights are all pre-set and you can change tools in about 15 seconds - no shims needed. All you have to do is move your cross slide in or out and you're on to the next task.
Gary
 
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