I made my own. Not perfect, but works very nicely.
BUT I use it less and less, as "traditional" tool shapes cover lots of different access issues that would need multiple "Eccentric" tool holders. And it was a big lump on the rotating 4-tool post (After setting-up, this is much quicker for multiple tool changes on a job than the demountable tool holders, that sell like hot cakes at shows!). But it sits close and handy if I need just a simple tool equivalent of a "RH KNIFE". I made a simple jig for sharpening bits by filing a 90degree Vee in a small block of steel with a clamp - like the one in the eccentric photo. Easy to sharpen tools correctly. Though they rarely need sharpening, now I am back to mostly using regular tooling.
I have no problems sharpening tools "by hand and eye" as I was taught and doing it as a teenager in a proper machine shop, So actually, it is of little benefit if you can develop sharpening skills.
For me, the hobby is as much about developing new skills, and utilising old knowledge, as my career was on paper not machines, after my Teenage apprenticeship. So while it was a project to make the eccentric tool holder, like most projects, it sees little use for me. I "wanted" to use it after making it myself, but after a couple of years it isn't on my tool-post of regular tools.
Others may use it a lot though, but "You pays ya money and makes ya choice"... etc.
Toolmaking for me is for the "specials", not the "regular" tools that are readily available.
Conclusion:
- YES it does what it says.
- Yes, it is easy to re-grind tools to a sharp edge = but that is the only significant advantage.
- Changing from a "square" to "round" bit can be done. (but set-up time is longer than swinging the tool post around to another different shaped tool!).
- Setting tool cutting point height is relatively simple, but not easy until you have practiced - which you will do if you want one holder to do both square and round tool jobs.
- YES it does go from machining face to diameter readily, but so can many regular tools, anyway.
- Yes, it is clever, but I find it unnecessary on my tool-post.
Making one can be the pleasure of making something, but improved "usefulness" isn't always achieved...
Each to his own.
K2
