Tooling for HF 8 x 12 Lathe - Help!

[gt40]

Originally Posted by xl97 If you get the one from LatheMaster.. it comes with amodified 'post'...so you can use the factory compound rest.. if you get the one from littlemachineshop.com you will need to order the pre-modifed compound rest form them.. there are differences in why. 1.) lathemaster lets you use the default compound rest..but you must order their special modified tool holders (the bottom section has some milled off) so that larger tooling can get low enough to be center to the work.. 2.) going with LMS pre-modified compund rest..means you can just order regular AxA tool holders form anywhere..and not have to pay more for them.. I suppose BOTH have their pros and cons..I went with the LMS modified compound rest approach myself. do a search here to find out more about them.. I knwo I posted some things on that topic previously..

I recently got a HF 8x12 lathe and wanted to get the lathemaster qctp. Unfortunately, they are sold out and not getting any new ones in till May or June. Instead, I found a new way of allowing the standard 100 series to fit so I ordered the standard AXA 100 series from LMS.

First, I machined the boss flat with the compound so it was all the same height. Next I drilled and tapped the existing hole where the boss was to fit the big bolt on the axa qctp. You need a 9/16- 18 tap. I picked one up at the local OSH. The tap specified a 33/64 drill. They didn't have that so I used an existing 1/2" drill.

After putting the qctp on the lathe for fitment, I found that the tool holder wouldn't go down enough for proper tool alignment. This is why some have used cut down tool holders or the LMS machined compound that is thinner where the qctp goes.

Instead, I machined 2 edges of the compound to allow the tool holder to be lowered to the proper height. It now allows a wide range of adjustment and alignment using standard lower cost tool holders while base of the compound retains its stock thickness and rigidity.

Here are some pics: