Indexable Lathe Cutters advice.

Matt, The codes I have for the 8mm (WCMT06) is SWUCR0810H06

For the 10mm (WCMT06) is SWGCR1013F06

Rob

I'd agree, and I know some professional machinists who say the same. In this video of machining Inconel in a commercial machine shop a conventional 4-way toolpost is being used:

Machining Inconel

The chips are coming off hot!

Andrew

I am pleased to see that my suggestion that you get a QCTP has raised a good deal of comment. I have found the responses very interesting, particularly with regard to rigidity. I would agree that by and large you do find yourself using three or four tools and they can be accommodated in a four way tool post, with other less used tools kept with their respective shims.

Personally, I am not very fond of the four way tool posts as I used to find myself getting caught or cut on the tools not in use. Perhaps I am just clumsy.

A QCTP was the first accessory I bought for my Warco WM250 and I have amassed a good collection of holders over the years. I find it so convenient to quickly change tools in a matter of seconds that I would certainly not contemplate being without one. But, as with all things in life its a matter of personal choice.

I would strongly agree with advice about not buying tools in a set. I started with a nice set of 7 12mm Glanze tools, and after many years there are at least 2 I have never used! Start with the basic turning facing tool, parting tool and boring bar and then buy more as required.

John

Concerning tool post rigidity I have long considered that, in principle, the best type of toolpost would be sets of quickly detachable two slot blocks able to be removed and re-fitted with the same accuracy as a proper, industrial standard, QC system. If using insert tooling the expensive and complicated to implement adjustable height holder arrangement of a conventional QC set-up is wasted. Decent quality inserts are the same size so changing out blunt for sharp does nt alter the tool height.

There are several feasible designs for rapid interchange block type toolhoder systems that can be released by the third or so of a spanner or handle turn typical of conventional QC posts. The rotating centre post style using two slot blocks built up from standard sections screwed and glued together seemed to me the most appropriate for ME and Home Shop types as being simple to make and relatively inexpensive. I have a couple of variations outlined in CAD but never went to full design and construction due to changing machines and getting Dickson QC systems along with the lathes.

The advantage of a QC system is not so much in rapid toolchanges but more in being able to have a decent selection of tooling mounted and ready to go. As Andrew says most jobs can be done with the three or four tools you can load into a four way. Especially if you have a rear post for the parting tool freeing up another slot. If you are going to have a rear post might as well make it with a two way block on to take a knurling tool as well putting the high load tools on the most rigid mount.

I've usually got 8 or so Dickson QC holders loaded and ready to go on my two lathes as needed but its a rare job that absolutely needs more than three plus the parting tool so I could manage with a four way just fine. In practice I'm more likely to use five or six so I don't have to compromise. Lovely to be able to just drop a holder carrying a Johanesson chaser holder or Coventry Die head in when a thread is needed.

Having two machines with identically set toolposts, allowing the same tooling to be used on both machines without adjustment, along with 18 or so holders means I can keep even fairly occasional use tools mounted. Realistically a QC system with less than 8 holders, plus parting tool carrier, is stunted.

Clive

If you seek rigidity in a toolpost, look at the "Gibraltar" toolpost. Definitely not QC, but RIGID!

Howard

Hello Howard,

I could not agree more. I revamped an old 918 lathe for a disabled friend. The 918s are well known for their lack of rigidity in the tooling area. So I made a Gibralter style post for when some accurate turning was required, Made a huge difference!

Andrew.