QC Toolpost for Benson Bench Lathe

Hi

I have a small lathe Benson" Benly" 2.5 inch screwcutting lathe from about 1940.Similar in size to a Lorch LLN.

There seems to be about 10-12mm between the top of the top-slide and the centre of the spindle. The tool holder that is on it is a steel 4way type with the bottom machined down to 2mm and a 8mm tool is sitting on a brass shim.I will measured it tomorrow and try to upload a picture.

Does anyone have a suggestion for a small QC toolpost for this type of lathe.

Thank you

Mark

Nice looking lathe, Mark

... it's difficult to hide ...

**LINK**

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cMer4lq98oc

MichaelG.

Just 'bumping' this before it falls off the bottom of the list.

On a small lathe it may need a bigger lathe or mill to make the parts but this home made design looks promising. otherwise the smallest I've seen is sold by eg Chronos.

I made a qctp for my myford and it would be possible to make it to fit your lathe.The tool holder can be machined to leave 2mm at it's base and use an8mm tool packed in the holder to centre height.See my album for images there are no dovetails to machine and it is faster to use than my dickson type toolpost .

Frank

Good suggestions thank you.

I think the homemade is certainly an option as I could make it so the tool holder was just past the edge of the topslide. Ive just stared a Project Loco and may postpone the toolpost until I am finished. I have 2 other lathes so can put it on the long finger.

I just bought BA taps from Chronos I should have bought the QC toolpost as well.I will take a closer look at it.

Micheal, I love this little lathe its very solid, cuts well with bad tools and is very well tooled. I've ordered a set of indexable cutters I am hoping for a great finish with the new tools.

Its also a little piece of history. I am a little sentimental and like to think the former owners of my 3 +50yr machines would be pleased they are well looked after and still running.

Regards

Mark

Mark, if you are considering going down the home made route, have a look at the version on my website here. It will though need scaling down for your size lathe but that should not be too difficult. Making it is relatively easy as there are no dovetails to machine, and, apart from the channel in the tool holder, there is very little milling needed.

There is on the web page mentioned a link to a video showing it in use and tests being carried out regarding accuracy, which is good.

Harold

Thanks Harold,

I see you have drawings available. I have just started using index tooling on this lathe and I could really use a QC tool post with a lot of holders. I will have to get moving on this soon.

Regards

Mark

Unless you're going to machine lots of short tapers, or do screwcutting, take off the topslide, which is always i the way of the tailstock, and fit a thinner block which will give more room for a QCTP. You can always put topslide back on for the odd job where it is needed

Thanks Duncan,

That's a slickt solution, I will give a try this weekend.

Mark

Neil - the link to the PDF drawings in the Stub Mandrel page is broken.

I have just noticed that the link I gave is one midway through the article. The first page, which has the link to the video mentioned, is here

The video shows the QCTH in use and being tested for accuracy, which is very good.

Harold

Hi Murray,

I just checked and the toolpost drawings link is definitely working (I tried it logged in and logged out and it still works):

stubmandrel.co.uk/workshop/88-make-a-quick-change-toolpost

Of course I'd argue that its the quickest and easiest type to use, and therefore the one that brings teh greatest improvement to your work as you always use the right tool!

Neil