My lathe, a Select 816B, came with rocker style tool post and holders (see this thread for lathe details: Select 816 B Lathe Acquired
Have various holders, including a boring bar. So far, I have only used the left hand, right hand, and cut-off holders. To me, they seem plenty rigid. I did do some cut-offs of 1" diameter mild steel yesterday, and when used at a low speed (backgear), no issues of chatter. I was wondering if I were to try a QCTP, would it have anymore rigidity; rigidity that I don't know I am missing at this point? Ignorance may be bliss .
I know many loathe the lantern rocker style tool posts; I don't mind them. Yes, center may be more difficult to find and it is more time consuming to set up; but, I have more time than money to spend. So, is there a significance in rigidity between the rocker style and the QCTP. Of course, I may not want too much rigidity, as I don't want to damage my compound or related parts if I get a significant catch.
Now, if a QCTP is in order, the sizes that will fit my lathe are either the OXA or the AXA, with the OXA I am looking at being significantly less expensive on a particular site. If I understand correctly, the OXA is close to 1.75" square, while the AXA is around 2.5". The compound t slot on my lathe is such that the OXA will not be near the edge of the compound, while the AXA will be right at the edge. The base of the compound where the base of the QCTP would mate is slightly over .90" to centerline. Here is a photo of the tool post and compound area.
Opinions welcome.
Have various holders, including a boring bar. So far, I have only used the left hand, right hand, and cut-off holders. To me, they seem plenty rigid. I did do some cut-offs of 1" diameter mild steel yesterday, and when used at a low speed (backgear), no issues of chatter. I was wondering if I were to try a QCTP, would it have anymore rigidity; rigidity that I don't know I am missing at this point? Ignorance may be bliss .
I know many loathe the lantern rocker style tool posts; I don't mind them. Yes, center may be more difficult to find and it is more time consuming to set up; but, I have more time than money to spend. So, is there a significance in rigidity between the rocker style and the QCTP. Of course, I may not want too much rigidity, as I don't want to damage my compound or related parts if I get a significant catch.
Now, if a QCTP is in order, the sizes that will fit my lathe are either the OXA or the AXA, with the OXA I am looking at being significantly less expensive on a particular site. If I understand correctly, the OXA is close to 1.75" square, while the AXA is around 2.5". The compound t slot on my lathe is such that the OXA will not be near the edge of the compound, while the AXA will be right at the edge. The base of the compound where the base of the QCTP would mate is slightly over .90" to centerline. Here is a photo of the tool post and compound area.
Opinions welcome.