Quick Change Tool Post for Warco WM180

Hi All.

I am a lawyer by profession, but have undertaken lots of small engineering projects over the years. In so doing I have made use of an early small Cowells Lathe (I think a Perris design) for most things, but found it limited in size and power.

As a result, I bought a new Warco lathe (WM180), which I am generally pleased with. However, I do miss not having a quick change tool post, and would like to acquire one.

On looking at the Warco site, they provide such a beast (although out of stock). That said, it doesn't seem very substantial when compared against some of the beefier items supplied by other manufacturers. Can anyone recommend a supplier for such a tool post which would be compatible with my machine? ideally one with the ability to hold two tools at once would be a help. I appreciate I could sleeve a larger bore post as long as the overall height isn't excessive. The Centre height is 90mm on the Warco.

Many thanks in anticipation.

Andrew

Thanks John

No risk of litigation, promise!

I do have a small miller, but fear that may be a bit much for me to take on as a basic novice.

Ideally I want something I can buy, and fit, perhaps with a small sleeving job to plug the bore up (or open out).

Regards

Andrew

How about.....

http://www.chesterhobbystore.com/quick-change-toolpost---smallbrincludes-2-holders-11158-p.asp

Hi Andrew,

I have the WM-180 and bought a Model 100 Quick Change Tool Post Set from Arc Eurotrade and it works very well. I did have to make a new centre sleeve and bore the bottom of the main body of the toolpost with a carbide boring bit but it was ok. I currently use one of my M10 hold down bolts to clamp it in place as it's high tensile.

**LINK**

Regards,
Ed.

Thanks John/Ed for the help.

Yes Ed, I noticed when I lifted the current tool holder off the stud, that its base was thicker (about 18mm +). It occurred to me I may have a little boring job whatever Post I went for. Did you cut the Post ok when you bored it, as I believe they are hardened?

Are you pleased with your WM180?

regards

Andrew

Very happy with the 180 but as a lot of folks say, the bigger the better. The current project I'm working on uses 22mm brass bar and doesn't fit through the spindle but I've found a way around it. C'est La Vie!

The base had to be bored as you mention. I made a simple boring bar from a piece of 12mm mild steel (EN8), cross drilled it near one end and used the broken shank of a 4mm solid carbide end-mill ground to shape on a green wheel. The bit was held in place with a small M4 grub screw drilled and tapped in the end of the bar. I used the mill to vertically bore the base moving the bit out to full diameter a little at a time, 0.5mm or so.

If you go for that particular tool-post and need some dimensions for the conversion just let me know.

Regards,
Ed.

Thanks Ed, that's helpful.

Regards

Andrew

Andrew, I have the WM180 and an (as yet unmodified) Warco Quick Change Toolpost. I spoke to Warco before ordering and it does 'just' need the centre hole enlarged to suit the locating spigot (under the existing tool holder - unscrew and lift to see it).

The modified one is (I think) always out of stock because they make them to order by modifying the stock item - if you want one ready-modified, call Warco sales.

Hope that helps,

Matthew

I modified a Dixon type from RDG to fit my 280, I think they are very similar if not the same, and I seem to remember it was 22mm for the spigot.

I used a carbide tipped boring bar but it still took a bit of doing to get through the hard skin.

Steve

I can drop a 250-200 series round Andy brand new just need the holders £19 each from Gloster tooling.

Jon

That would be kind. Drop me a mail and we can discuss payment etc.

I confess I am a little wary of how easily I will be able to bore out the base of the spigot. From what I remember, its 10mm overall, but has about a 20mm base. Any tips???

Regards

Andrew

I use a four way and have Epoxied suitable shims to the bottom of my insert tooling so it's always on centre. Negates the need of a QC for me and may help you until you get what you want?

.

Equals :- Earns more money than the Pope.

So the 'Multifix size AA' for that size of lathe will be your best friend.

Nick

Must be just starting out or he would have bought a Wabeco not a Warco ...

Posted by Vic on 23/05/2015 21:38:39:

Wabeco not a Warco ...

.

** Tuts. ........... And these are the guys we pay to read the small print for us. - Simple 'Typo' error anyone could have made though eh.?

Nick

FWIW I have a Little Machine Shop quich change post and I like it. I prefer the tapered gib type holder.

An update:

Thanks to the huge generosity of Jon, a 250 200 series tool holder now sits on top of my WM 180!!!

I decided in the end to mill off the 22mm (approx.) base that the existing tool post sat in on the top slide. That was going to be far easier than seeking to bore the hardened steel of the battleship sized tool holder on the 180 . I then drilled the top slide of the lathe with a new 14.5mm (turned down) drill which would fit my Saupe BF400 miller. Its a small machine, and I was anxious about its ability as well as my own, but it coped easily. I then tapped the hole, and the M16 post screwed in beautifully.

I have no doubt that the tool post is overkill on my little lathe, but its solid in the extreme, and it will centre the tools, and still articulate around the axis of the post without fouling the cross slide which I was concerned about. Thus, job done, and a boost in confidence to me along the way!!!

If I can work out how, I will post a picture, but the lathe is now akin to my Labrador wearing Pit Bulls huge black leather Studded collar!!!! You have the image I am sure, but it works well, meets the intended purpose of convenience, and is versatile.

Many thanks to Jon again and to all who assisted. I am very pleased with the result.

regards

Andrew

Andrew

I did the same with my WM 250V-F, already had Bison version of Dickson type QC tool holder, easier to machine the boss off the compound slide & make a new post, the original post was of dubious quality so made a new one to fit bore of block.

George.

Sorry to resurrect an ancient post, but is there any update on this topic? Is there any alternative to either buying Warco's QCTP, or modifying another make to clear the boss on the Warco?

Thanks,

Colin