Quick Change Tool Post

[myford7type]

Hey all,

I am looking to build my own QCTP based on the piston type (Aloris Dorian etc)you see pretty commonly, problem is I can't find a cutaway drawing or plans for one, any of you guys have what I am looking for? Any help would be greatly appreciated

Alex

(by the way it is to fit a Myford ML7 but all I really need to know is how the internal mechanism actuates the piston, I am assuming it is a cam of some sort)

[Joel]

Hate to say it, but my QCTP cost less than $150.00 new, with 5 tool holders. Is it really worth it to make?

[jfsmith]

Sometimes the learning out weights the lower cost.

Jerry

[Dave Opincarne]

Right on Jerry. I hate to kvetch, but I'm a bit annoyed at some of the responses on this board which amount to "just buy it, it's not worth the effort." I know the people offering this advice mean well, but I think they're missing something.

There seem to be two types (at least ) on this board. The first group machine as a way to support their individual interests and machining provides a cheap way to aquire or modify equipment. For others, machining is the hobby. For these people telling them they're better off just buying the tooling is like telling the woodworker to just go buy the furniture because it will be cheaper and easier than buying the equipment and messing around with sanding and staining, and the results will be better. So please guys and gals remember that many of us aren't in this to be practical.

-Dave

[Thrud]

Alex

Check some of the previous posts about quick change posts - John Stevenson designed an excellent tool post that is robust and elegantly simple.

I am sorry, but I have lost the url to the site with his plans. There is an additional article written by a begginer and his experiences in building it.

Highly recommended!

[jfsmith]

I worked on a simple tool post that holds my knurling devise, my cut off or parting holder and my 1/2 boring bars. Learned many things.

Jerry

[John Stevenson]

I'm with Dave on this.

When I built my first post setup I couldn't afford the money needed to buy a post and ten holders.
I learnt a lot on this project, it was the first time I had cut dovetails for a start.

Things have improved now and running a small jobbing shop I must admit chequebook engineering often takes a front seat. No way will I setup to regrind cutters when new ones are $3.00 each.

I currently have three toolposts of this design on three different lathes 10", 12" and 14".
They share about 45 holders between them, some that special you can't buy them.
Even when making these costs me money, I can still save on the sheer quantity being made at a time and I still get enjoyment from this.
Writing chques isn't as enjoyable.

John S.

[Joel]

Dave, I hope I'm not "missing something"! I make tooling and such regularly, but sometimes it's just not worth it, as there are so many things most of us need to do in our shops. I pick and choose what is worth it for me to do myself, and what is more practical to purchase. I realize this is a personal thing, and wouldn't want to talk anyone out of ANY project THEY want to do. I make furniture as well, and sometimes the materials would cost me more than just buying (last time it was bookshelves). I hope that I understand, that this is not always the point, as I have made several tables and clocks (and more), that gave me great satisfaction in creating!
Pragmatic by nature, not meaning to annoy, Joel

[Dave Opincarne]

Joel, no problem, I don't mean to soun terse, well maybe a little, but not at you or anyone else in particular. Like I said, I know all advice is offered with the best of intentions. This was just an opportunity for me to chime in on something that's been bugging me for a while and I think it should be kept in mind that not all projects are undertaken in an effort to aquire an accesory in the most practical means posible. Sometimes it's about the journey and not the destination.

Ok, I'm done ranting, I'll take my medication now.

-Dave

[mikem]

For some, the extra time that it takes to "roll your own" tooling (versus buying ready-made) is more precious than the extra expense of buying ready-made. I do both depending on my priorities.

Right now I have after-work installations to do that pay me $40 an hour and I am way behind. If I take time to tinker in my shop, it takes away from what I could be doing on those projects. But I am self-employed and can do things in the order I see fit. Sometimes I do things the common sense way and sometimes my way. It depends if my checkbook is flat or fat. I don't blame anyone for which way they choose, I can make my own decisions. Love you guys--Mike.