Tool post build

[welderskelter]

I want to build a tool post for my mill so I dont have to use the rocker one. I have a mill that is 1 and a half in. difference between the center of the chuck and the flat part where it will set. Want to build one that has the bolts in top to hold the tools. How thick of plate should I use on the bottom and the center piece? Also how big of piece in the middle.I have seen them in a lot of you tube videos. Please help.

[Doozer]

Mill tool post ?

-D

[David Powell]

Doozer, Lets cut the fellow some slack, not everyone , especially beginners and confused old men, come up with the correct names for things everytime,
I had an Aunt who told me spent WW2 running a " Curly Punch". Detailed questioning when I got enough knowledge to ask the right questions revealed that she had been running an Archdale 7 ft radial arm drill. !!!! Still laughing at her memory David Powell.

[oxford]

Want to build one that has the bolts in top to hold the tools.

I think you are asking about a “4 way tool post” but I am not positive. Can you look that term up and confirm that is what you are wanting to make?

[mikey553]

Please send us a picture of your mill. It will help a lot. Or maybe you have a lathe and want to replace a rocker style toolholder with a 4 way tool post?

[welderskelter]

Yep. Doozer I am in both catagories. And yes its a lathe. And yes it is a 4 way tool post I am seeking deminsions for .

[welderskelter]

Micky553 look in my profile and click on advance lathe.

[welderskelter]

Oxford , Funny thing about these computers once you know what you are looking for you are over laoded Ha.

[welderskelter]

Thanks guys

[welderskelter]

Well, now I have a problem . How do I get the dimensions for one of these things or do I have to just invent the wheel? I think I have to sign up for youtube or something it says. Nothing is easy I guess Ha.

[oxford]

Personally I would decide on what max size shank tool bits you want to use and then work backwards from there. That will pretty much give you most of the dimensions you need.

[welderskelter]

After looking at it closer there is no one size fits all is there? Thanks

[oxford]

After looking at it closer there is no one size fits all is there? Thanks

No, but there is some sizes fit some.

What lathe or size lathe is this going on? That will help determine what size tooling you will want to use. Then with that and the chuck center height off the compound slide it’s just working backwards to get the rest of the dimensions.

[mikey553]

No, there is no one size fits all. Before you do anything measure accurately the distance from your spindle axis to the top of your compound. This distance will tell you about the maximum size tool you can put in your 4 way tool holder. Again, try to post a picture - it will help a lot.

[SVS]

There are pictures here:

https://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net/forum/general/1979601-advance-lathe