Well I started using the lathe on my bridgemill today only to realize that the toolholder is too high. The included cutting tools when put in the quick change toolholder sit .08" above the center of the lathe. I can't see any way to adjust the tool down, as the toolholder is bottomed out, so does this mean I have to shim the lathe head UP?!?!!?

Hi Devinchi,

No do not move the lathe headstock, ever.

They have supplied you with the incorrect size tools or the toolpost has not been fitted to that machine.

What size are the shanks of the tools now?

They are 1/2"

Your simplest solution would be to use 3/8" shank tools. I'm assuming these are brazed carbide or else solid high speed steel square bits? The other choice would be to mill a bit off the bottom of your toolblocks so that they can sit down a little bit further, if that is the area of obstruction.

Beware, the blocks are likely hardened, so go slow, with a carbide endmill.

Devinchi
If my shoptask tool holder is the same as yours then you have a main tool post with four vertical channels, one on each face of the post. The holder rides up and down in that channel and has a lip on top protruding over the post through which the adjustment screw is located.

What HuFlungDung suggests makes good sense....to take some of the bottom of that lip off.

Also, you could mill down a portion of the post on each face where that lip rests when the tool holder is all the way down. This may be easier as the post is already mounted and secure.

My QC holders are so very close to being bottomed out....but not quite.