Harbor Freight 7x10 tool post question

[signal15]

So, all of the references I find about this thing on the net says that the tool post is set up for 5/16" tooling. If I put 5/16" tooling in it, and make it touch the center post, the screws that hold it in place actually come down on the outside edge of the bit. Also, the centerline is about 1/16" too low.

Is it possible that this tool post is designed for 3/8" tooling? How does one tell? The manual it came with doesn't say.

[blades]

I just looked at mine, I've got 3/8 tooling in it, and the cutting tip is near perfect on center. Of course, with some creative shimming you can use 1/4 or 5/16 just as well. All that matters is the tool bit is securely clamped in place, and the tip of the tool bit is as close to center as you can get.

[Torsten]

The original Toolpost for these Machines is suppost to be used with shims under the Toolbit to make sure the cutting edge of the tool is even with the center line of the turned Part.
The Toolbit dose not have to be all the way against the post, just make sure it is about centered under the tightening Screw.
I am not aware where to buy a specific Set of shims for this, as a machinist we used to make our own from various thicknesses of sheet metal.
But you could also buy and use a Feeler Gage Set of appropriet size for this.
As for Toolsize, you can get anything that will fit into your post and has its cutting edge at or below center.
Good Luck

[signal15]

Looks like mine is 5/16". I just picked up the only 5/16" tooling they had at Harbor Freight. I tested one by facing some stock, and it's perfectly centered.

Unfortunately, they don't carry blanks, only carbide. Where can I find 5/16" blanks? The only place I found any was Ebay.

[hoss2006]

Looks like mine is 5/16". I just picked up the only 5/16" tooling they had at Harbor Freight. I tested one by facing some stock, and it's perfectly centered.

Unfortunately, they don't carry blanks, only carbide. Where can I find 5/16" blanks? The only place I found any was Ebay.

G1508 HSS Square Tool Bits - 5/16" x 2-1/2" L
Hoss

[whateg01]

I'm not sure how good HF tool bits are, even in HSS. Here is Enco's offering...

Enco - Guaranteed Lowest Prices on Machinery, Measuring Tools, Cutting Tools and Shop Supplies

Dave

[blades]

There's also HSS inserts available for insert tooling, if you want HSS and don't care to grind your own.

[sansbury]

I have the Tormach tool post and the AR Warner insert tools and am very happy with both. I use both HSS and carbide inserts depending on the job.