I have just purchased a Boxford Lathe

[123hotchef]

ok so do I bother purchasing a few springs, ball bearings and wrench for my current tool post holder or do I pay out for the QCTP

 

[RichardM]

That's a question for yourself.
Is your time chargeable?
If you have two tools in your current tool holder for example and change these for others is the setup time going to make a difference to you?
I have a QCTP (it came with the lathe) and only 6 tool holders, including the parting tool.
Basically I use 5 of them, parting tool, one facing tool and turning tool for indexable tips and the same setup with HSS tool bits.

If I want to bore or use any other tool I just set up the spare at the time.

 

[123hotchef]

That's a question for yourself.
Is your time chargeable?
If you have two tools in your current tool holder for example and change these for others is the setup time going to make a difference to you?
I have a QCTP (it came with the lathe) and only 6 tool holders, including the parting tool.
Basically I use 5 of them, parting tool, one facing tool and turning tool for indexable tips and the same setup with HSS tool bits.

If I want to bore or use any other tool I just set up the spare at the time.

my time is just my time really it is going to be more of a hobby though I do have a few bits I want to make.
I guess for now I should make do with the one I have as long as the spare parts I need dont cost a furtune

 

[123hotchef]

where might one find springs and ball bearings to fit is it just a case or having a measure

 

[RichardM]

Where are the springs / balls located? My Mk3 didn't have any. If they are to position the tool post are they needed?

 

[123hotchef]

Where are the springs / balls located? My Mk3 didn't have any. If they are to position the tool post are they needed?

they are under the 4 way tool post makes moving it around between tools smooth, It does work with the missing ones it could just be smoother

 

[123hotchef]

I also need a spanner for these bolts

 

[RichardM]

So they are basically lift springs and balls. What diameter / length of hole in the toolpost? How many?
Do you have any old roller bearings lying about?

 

[123hotchef]

So they are basically lift springs and balls. What diameter / length of hole in the toolpost? How many?
Do you have any old roller bearings lying about?

Yes that is exactly what they are I will have to get the calipers on them and have a measure

 

[addjunkie]

I also need a spanner for these bolts

Does a ring spanner not fit, or change for cap screws.

 

[123hotchef]

Does a ring spanner not fit, or change for cap screws.

i shall try later I do not have many imperial spanners, And I defiantly have no imperial cap screws

 

[slimjim]

That's a question for yourself.
Is your time chargeable?
If you have two tools in your current tool holder for example and change these for others is the setup time going to make a difference to you?
I have a QCTP (it came with the lathe) and only 6 tool holders, including the parting tool.
Basically I use 5 of them, parting tool, one facing tool and turning tool for indexable tips and the same setup with HSS tool bits.

If I want to bore or use any other tool I just set up the spare at the time.

I never get this is your time chargeable question,

It’s more like, do I want to undo the screws replace the tool, fiddle about with shims, getting it to centre height, use it, undo the screws replace the tool, set it to centre height, using shims, etc etc,

My tool holders,

Bar with a bearing to push things square in the chuck,
Left turning insert tool,
Right turning insert tool,
Chamfering insert tool
Dial gauge,
Boring bar small,
Boring bar medium,
Boring bar large,
Internal metric thread cutting insert tool,
External metric thread cutting insert tool,
Parting tool,
Currently one spare for setting up HSS specials, but I do need to order more,

I want to spend time doing the job, not changing the tooling and setting up, the 4 tool post holder I had on my last lathe used to irk me something rotten, you spent more time changing tools, than turning parts.

 

[123hotchef]

time is already precious, If it becomes too much of a chore I will not want to use the lathe!

 

[Hopefuldave]

I never get this is your time chargeable question,

It’s more like, do I want to undo the screws replace the tool, fiddle about with shims, getting it to centre height, use it, undo the screws replace the tool, set it to centre height, using shims, etc etc,

My tool holders,

Bar with a bearing to push things square in the chuck,
Left turning insert tool,
Right turning insert tool,
Chamfering insert tool
Dial gauge,
Boring bar small,
Boring bar medium,
Boring bar large,
Internal metric thread cutting insert tool,
External metric thread cutting insert tool,
Parting tool,
Currently one spare for setting up HSS specials, but I do need to order more,

I want to spend time doing the job, not changing the tooling and setting up, the 4 tool post holder I had on my last lathe used to irk me something rotten, you spent more time changing tools, than turning parts.

You can never have too many... I've similar setup, baker's dozen of the "200" size, a good rack is a length of Unistrut with Aldi sheet metal rightangle brackets (10 for £3.99) bolted on.

Dave H. (the other one)

 

[slimjim]

time is already precious, If it becomes too much of a chore I will not want to use the lathe!

Watch some of @doubleboost early YouTube videos of him turning parts on his then Boxford lathe, and how quick it is to change tools, and they be bang on centre height,

Then imagine doing the same work with your toolpost, find the Allen key, loosen off the 4 screws, remove the tool, put the desired one in, tighten the four screws, set the centre height,

Of course it’s all doable, but I found in my case it took more than twice as long to actually produce any work.

 

[123hotchef]

Watch some of @doubleboost early YouTube videos of him turning parts on his then Boxford lathe, and how quick it is to change tools, and they be bang on centre height,

Then imagine doing the same work with your toolpost, find the Allen key, loosen off the 4 screws, remove the tool, put the desired one in, tighten the four screws, set the centre height,

Of course it’s all doable, but I found in my case it took more than twice as long to actually produce any work.

ok you are selling it to me LOL
I will have to take a look at doubleboosts stuff later then

 

[slimjim]

ok you are selling it to me LOL
I will have to take a look at doubleboosts stuff later then

@doubleboost sold it to me, without him knowing or me giving him the credit,

If it’s good enough for a mechanic that messes about, it’s good enough for me

 

[123hotchef]

@doubleboost sold it to me, without him knowing or me giving him the credit,

If it’s good enough for a mechanic that messes about, it’s good enough for me

I hope he gets commision

 

[RichardM]

"I never get this is your time chargeable question"

Say £25 each for tool holders, plus the post. Yes it's easier and quicker but not essential to start turning.

 

[123hotchef]

I have the bits in my basket, but ouch at over £200 for the bits I think I want/need to start