Rear Tool Post Spacer Block Sherline Lathe

[jjr2001]

They say the Sherline Lathe is at it's best with a rear cutoff tool and I always wanted to try that on my mini lathe.
So, I made a spacer block for the Sherline supplied front cutoff tool and got a longer hold down bolt for use on the rear of the cross slide table.
Nothing special about this at all, just a 1/2" high block of aluminum with a hole in the right place. It is not in the center but offset.

We won't know how this works for a while.

[rossbotics]

Lots of smaller machines with the cutoff tool mounted in reverse works better than the conventional method, eliminating chatter

[olderdan]

That should be a great improvement that set up works for me on my SB, is the reverse position just for the photo shoot?.

[jjr2001]

I hope to have some material ready for my next model engine soon and then we will see how well it works on the Sherline.
Cheers, JR

[tonyfoale]

I have a rear mounted tool post and I find parting to work about the same as when using the front one. No advantage nor disadvantage. I also have a 4 way indexable tool holder on that rear post which always has 3 tools mounted, 1. the parting tool, 2. a small drill chuck with a short spotting drill bit and a normal turning tool.
The advantage that I find with the rear tool post is that I don't have to change tools on the front one as often and the permanently mounted spotting drill saves quite a few tailstock chuck and/or drill bit changes. Unless actually drilling for a centre I prefer a spotting drill to a centre drill for a pilot hole.
Sometimes the rear post gets in the way on certain jobs but I made it to be removable quickly and I machined register surfaces so that it goes back into the same place when fitted again. I don't have to take it off often.

[jjr2001]

Thanks for the info Tony, I did not think to put a 3 or 4 way tool holder back there. Could bring some extra versatility to the lathe.

Cheers, JR