I'd like to add a QCTP to my Viceroy TDS1 lathe but am unsure if I'm looking at a size that will fit or is suitable.
I've identified a seller who has a T63 kit at a good price but I just want to be sure that it is not too large for the centre height. From various searches online, I've found another seller that states the T63 is good for centre heights between 114 and 127mm. I think the TDS1 is a 4.5" lathe (centre height not swing?) so on this basis it meets the 114mm spec but it is right on the lower limit - so is this a good size tool post to go for?
Quick Change Tool Post
Moderators: Martin, Steve, Mr Magoo
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mynewviceroy
- Posts: 22
- Joined: Tue 11 Apr , 2023 13:15 pm
- Hardware/Software: Denford Viceroy TDS 1 S
- Location: Nr Newent, Gloucestershire
Re: Quick Change Tool Post
The T63 is a Dickson toolpost clone, see http://www.lathes.co.uk/latheparts/page13.html , and note the details about varying quality and research your supplier for what they sell. I have a genuine Dickson S1 and a Bison version again S1 or T1 which are both the same size as the T63. Lathes.co.uk mentions the TDS1 as either 5" or 5.5" so you'll probably be OK. My Dickson is on a Harrison M300 which is a 6.5" centre height and the Bison on a Kerry 1140 which is 5.5" centre height.
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mynewviceroy
- Posts: 22
- Joined: Tue 11 Apr , 2023 13:15 pm
- Hardware/Software: Denford Viceroy TDS 1 S
- Location: Nr Newent, Gloucestershire
Re: Quick Change Tool Post
Thanks,
According to the linked page, yes, I'm looking at an Indian clone - fingers crossed it is ok. I'll be buying through eBay so at least if it is not as described (ie it is defective) I can get it returned for free and my money back, then consider my options again. There is no negative or neutral feedback for the seller on the QCTP and about 5 positives from those who have bought one (albeit T51 set or T53 holders), so I'll chance my arm and see how I get on I think.
25/6/23 - To update this - I placed an order, then the seller said he had issues posting to the UK, despite his advert saying he would post to the UK, and he then cancelled my order! I'm still trying to work something out with him so let's see what happens.
According to the linked page, yes, I'm looking at an Indian clone - fingers crossed it is ok. I'll be buying through eBay so at least if it is not as described (ie it is defective) I can get it returned for free and my money back, then consider my options again. There is no negative or neutral feedback for the seller on the QCTP and about 5 positives from those who have bought one (albeit T51 set or T53 holders), so I'll chance my arm and see how I get on I think.
25/6/23 - To update this - I placed an order, then the seller said he had issues posting to the UK, despite his advert saying he would post to the UK, and he then cancelled my order! I'm still trying to work something out with him so let's see what happens.
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mynewviceroy
- Posts: 22
- Joined: Tue 11 Apr , 2023 13:15 pm
- Hardware/Software: Denford Viceroy TDS 1 S
- Location: Nr Newent, Gloucestershire
Re: Quick Change Tool Post
Another update - the QCTP I was trying to buy, didn't happen from the seller I had chosen, so I found another seller (selling the same item) and asked them to price match, which they did - but sadly I was 'stung' for import tax etc via FedEx when it came into the UK from India - an additional £44.28.
So what did I get?
Well, I bought a 10 piece T63 kit from Bluefox_Tools via eBay - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/165543749258 I went for this one as the smaller QCTP, the T51, would only take up to a 16mm tool and I have some 20mm index tools that used to belong to my father who was a precision engineer / tool maker. It seems nice enough made, well protected in the packaging, no nasty burrs, everything seems to fit well and hold tightly, so my first impressions are very good. Once I've used it for a while, I might notice something else but for now I'm happy.
Well, after it arrived it turns out (no great surprise) that the centre height, when the 16mm or 20mm tools are used, is too high, so I can't use it with those tools anyway. I tried an easy modification of extending the adjuster thread (unscrewed the existing stud and replaced with a longer one) but it would mean that to get the tool low enough, there would be only 50% or less of the 'gripping' bit of the QCTP engaging, so would not be very secure. I did enquire with one surface grinding company if they would be able to thin down the base for me a bit, but I nearly fell off my chair when they gave me a rough estimate of cost! Suffice to say, that was a non-starter. The tool post claims to be hardened and seems to be, hence me not being able to machine it down in my (new to me) Astra L2 mill.
The next problem I came up against was that all of my tool post 'stems' were too short, so I needed to make a new one - but didn't have any steel or a 1/2" BSW die. I managed to find a bit of 'scrap' pig iron that will do for now and bought a used tap and die from eBay, so once they had arrived, I could set about turning the pig iron down to the QCTP hole size (16mm from recollection, then turning down both ends to 0.5" dia ready to thread with the die - which might not have been as sharp as it could have been but it seems to have cut clean enough threads.
It's now in place but I haven't yet loaded up my 12mm index tools and set the centre heights on them, but I should have more than enough (currently) and the larger tools I can get the right centre heights with my standard tool post, so I can leave the most common one loaded up and centred, so all I have to do is change the tool post - a 'not so quick - QCTP' if you like!
TLDR: Bought the T63, should probably have bought the T51.
So what did I get?
Well, I bought a 10 piece T63 kit from Bluefox_Tools via eBay - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/165543749258 I went for this one as the smaller QCTP, the T51, would only take up to a 16mm tool and I have some 20mm index tools that used to belong to my father who was a precision engineer / tool maker. It seems nice enough made, well protected in the packaging, no nasty burrs, everything seems to fit well and hold tightly, so my first impressions are very good. Once I've used it for a while, I might notice something else but for now I'm happy.
Well, after it arrived it turns out (no great surprise) that the centre height, when the 16mm or 20mm tools are used, is too high, so I can't use it with those tools anyway. I tried an easy modification of extending the adjuster thread (unscrewed the existing stud and replaced with a longer one) but it would mean that to get the tool low enough, there would be only 50% or less of the 'gripping' bit of the QCTP engaging, so would not be very secure. I did enquire with one surface grinding company if they would be able to thin down the base for me a bit, but I nearly fell off my chair when they gave me a rough estimate of cost! Suffice to say, that was a non-starter. The tool post claims to be hardened and seems to be, hence me not being able to machine it down in my (new to me) Astra L2 mill.
The next problem I came up against was that all of my tool post 'stems' were too short, so I needed to make a new one - but didn't have any steel or a 1/2" BSW die. I managed to find a bit of 'scrap' pig iron that will do for now and bought a used tap and die from eBay, so once they had arrived, I could set about turning the pig iron down to the QCTP hole size (16mm from recollection, then turning down both ends to 0.5" dia ready to thread with the die - which might not have been as sharp as it could have been but it seems to have cut clean enough threads.
It's now in place but I haven't yet loaded up my 12mm index tools and set the centre heights on them, but I should have more than enough (currently) and the larger tools I can get the right centre heights with my standard tool post, so I can leave the most common one loaded up and centred, so all I have to do is change the tool post - a 'not so quick - QCTP' if you like!
TLDR: Bought the T63, should probably have bought the T51.