Lathe Tool Posts

[ozzie34231]

Hi All,

I'm cosidering buying a quick change tool post, something along the lines of the Phase II series.

I bought the Shoptask compound tool rest and the accompanying tool post and it's a joke; no stability at all. Even with the moderate cuts I make, the tool is likely to move no matter how tight I try to make it. With CNC there's little reason for the compound anyway.

I'm not sure I know the difference between a piston type and the other, I think it's a wedge type. Does anyone have an opnion on one or the other, and what brands work best. I assume the more expensive ones are better, but unfortunately neither my father nor I placed the family beyond needing a budget.

All help appreciated
Jerry

[CNCadmin]

I have used the piston type and wedge and IMO the wedge makes for a much more solid locking of the tools holder.

[RotarySMP]

I haven't used the piston type, so no comparision, but the wedge type Phase two is rock solid, and very repeatable. In a years time you won't be able to remember if the wedge type cost $30 more or $60 more. I have 11 tool holders for mine.

[ozzie34231]

Thanks for the help.
Can you give a simple description of how the wedge works, it's not obvious from catalogue pictures.
Jerry

[sch]

The dove tail has a moveable part like a gib on the toolpost, it goes up and down as you turn the handle on the tool post and as the gib like part is on an angle, it moves outward and expands to lock the tool holder in the dovetail hence the wedge descriptor.
Steve

[miljnor]

In my experience they both are just as accurate.

I have used the piston type and wedge and IMO the wedge makes for a much more solid locking of the tools holder.

The accuracy isn't the problem that I noticed, its the piston tends to wear or dimple the tool holder and that is were the accuracy changes starts. And I believe this is what paul maybe refering too.

Although I have a KD at work wich is supposed to be the "HIGH" end wedge style (and the price is to match) and have just about worn the wedge completely out. Although to be fair the tool post is probably as old as me!

I have a phase two wedge type i got for the mini lathe and i think I overkill the thing is for a big lathe (wanted to keep the tooling I use at work) should be good for some laughs when I get it tooled up and take some pictures. and the quality is good.

I haven't used the piston type, so no comparision, but the wedge type Phase two is rock solid, and very repeatable. In a years time you won't be able to remember if the wedge type cost $30 more or $60 more. I have 11 tool holders for mine.

and that says it all.