Warco WM180 Lathe Upgrades

Well, spotted a Quick Change Tool Post set for sale on FaceBook locally so couldn’t resist it.

**LINK**

The guy also gave me a quick review of some of the upgrades he had made. He’s only been machining for a couple of months and WOW impressive.
I’ve got a lot to learn 🤣😂

You will likely find that the toolpost in the picture is not a direct drop on replacement for the existing WM180 4-way post. At the least expect to either replace the stud with a larger one or make a spacer tube. Depends whether your WM180 has a built in shoulder on the top-slide where the toolpost fits. HAve a look ** HERE ** (2 pages) for a bit more info if you get stuck.

John

So, coming back to this, after working on a few other modifications.

With the QCTP fitted in it's existing condition, the centre stud is not quite long enough, so I need to make a new one:

As I temporary measure I found and cut some 10mm threaded bar.

The QCTP has a plate that it sits on. This plate is machined to fit the raised centre section compound slide:

However, it is a sloppy fit and has some play in it, so I propose to replace it.

Trying to get the tools centred I have noticed that for some even on the lowest setting some tools are still too high?

As tools vary, I may need to make a couple of new base plates?

I have also noticed that base plate is slightly wider than the tool post, which stops the tool going lower:

However due to the sloppiness and shape of the base plate, some tools can be made to go lower, to make them on centre, this, I guess, is bad practice.

So question, when making a baseplate for this tool post, should it be wider than than the tool post or can it be flush?

Flush or just slightly smaller would be OK.

If the baseplate fouls the tool holder, then that side needs to be flush with the sides of the toolpost.

The material sitting in fresh air doesn't do anything, so the small amount can be removed without doing any harm, but actually improving function, by allowing the adjustment range to be as originally designed..

Howard

+1

George.