4way tool post

**mklotz** · Feb 1, 2017, 12:34 PM

QC toolposts are all the rage now but, though I use one, I still find the venerable 4way style faster to use in many cases. I have a number of homemade 4ways, several of them dedicated to various jobs.

As an example, here's a general purpose one...

It has slots to take two conventional tools (typically a general purpose turning tool and a 45 deg chamfering tool) as well as holes that accommodate two sizes of boring bars.

On the other side is a cutoff tool permanently mounted to this 4way...

If you make your own tool post be sure to arrange things so the handle used to tighten the lockdown bolt points at a convenient angle out of your way - typically your 4 o'clock direction as you face the lathe.

The way I do it is to pin a chunk of hex to the lockdown bolt. A conical end is turned on this chunk. Then the bolt is assembled to the toolpost on the lathe and the bolt tightened with a wrench on the hex. Once a satisfactory tightness is reached, the 4 o'clock position on the cone is marked. Then the whole thing is disassembled and a hole drilled on the mark. The handle is then Loctited into this hole.

**Christophe Mineau** · Feb 2, 2017, 03:29 PM

Nice idea, I think I will revive my old tool post, its true it can be kept set up with the best seller tools you use the most.
I really like the built in parting tool and boring bar holders of yours.
Thanks !
Christophe

**Manitoba Man** · Sep 17, 2019, 04:50 PM

Thanks for good photos and clear explanations. I can apply this to my homemade mill/lathe as well as my Atlas.

**Toolmaker51** · Nov 7, 2021, 05:33 PM

Interesting to me as well, even 3 something years later. Getting use out of commercial 4-ways still, but would like to run off one custom made. Don't have CNC, but carving out one side for a rocker sounds like a good idea.
Is there a way? Well, a vise on a rotary table would, but I know another and w-aay easier.

And good utilization of hex geometry to set handle orientation, Mr. K. I usually use method common in gunsmithing, of space and threads per inch, being divisible by angles. Then face or create washer of correct thickness.