round lathe tools

[Richard P Wilson]

Four way toolpost is far more rigid than a lantern toolpost.

[Bented]

This 4 position turret works reasonably well.

One must be careful when using long tools such as drills and boring bars that there is clearance when it indexes. Since beginning to use this lathe earlier this year I have so far hit the door and tailstock with long boring bars or drills.

Fortunately no harm is done as the turret has very little power when rotating, it merely generates an error and has to be re-homed.
https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-...rning-1280.mp4

[BCRider]

Throw the lantern post away? That's rather harsh!

Granted that there are better ways to do things now. But let's not forget that for MANY years in the history of lathe work that a lantern post and a good assortment of tool holders was the hot setup. And that a LOT of demanding and precise work was done with such tools.... By our fathers and grandfathers I'll grant you..... But good work nonetheless. And that a lot of good work can still be done with them. Perhaps not as quickly or conveniently. But there's no need to avoid some good HOME shop quality time due to the tool post.

Mickey, my own personal preference matches yours. I'd rather use a lantern post and assortment of holders than deal with the frequent changing and shimming of a four way. Granted I never set up the cutters with dedicated shims like easy use of a 4 way would suggest. But as someone walking up to a strange lathe if it doesn't have a QCTP I'd rather deal with holders and the rocker shoe than a fist full of shims.

[mickeyf]

But as someone walking up to a strange lathe if it doesn't have a QCTP I'd rather deal with holders and the rocker shoe than a fist full of shims.

Yes, my point. I did not say "better" or "more rigid" I said "more convenient". I suppose if you had a dedicated set of shims for each tool you use, and keep them together... but how many actually do that?

[J Tiers]

..........................

Mickey, my own personal preference matches yours. I'd rather use a lantern post and assortment of holders than deal with the frequent changing and shimming of a four way. Granted I never set up the cutters with dedicated shims like easy use of a 4 way would suggest. But as someone walking up to a strange lathe if it doesn't have a QCTP I'd rather deal with holders and the rocker shoe than a fist full of shims.

I have a 4 way, and have no shims whatever for it...nor does it need any. But it works fine.