Self Locking Lathe Tool Height Adjustment

**hersch_tool** · Dec 15, 2023, 03:53 PM

Hi all,
Here's a quick and easy project where I made some "self locking" height adjustment knobs for my lathe's quick change tool holder.
Thanks!

**DIYer** · Dec 16, 2023, 03:14 AM

Thanks hersch_tool! We've added your Lathe Tool Height Adjuster to our Lathe Accessories category,
as well as to your builder page: hersch_tool's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Lathe Tool Height Adjuster by hersch_tool

tags: lathe

**yair feldmann** · Dec 19, 2023, 01:47 AM

If the tool height is such that the locking screw faces the post, do you have access for Allen key?

**uv8452** · Dec 19, 2023, 02:06 AM

Nice and impeccable workmanship. Permissible is what likes.
But I would be annoyed by the nut's dead angle the allen key requires.
Why not (e.g.) slit a larger ø nut laterally and clamp/brace it with an axial allen screw?
We know this principle from 'playless' spindle nuts.

**hersch_tool** · Dec 19, 2023, 09:23 AM

Originally Posted by yair feldmann

If the tool height is such that the locking screw faces the post, do you have access for Allen key?

This is definitely the most asked comment on the video, and a great question.
The short version is, no it's a design flaw for sure.
However, it's not a show stopper.
You can just lift up the tool holder to get access and tighten, or add a washer to clock it in a different location, etc.
But the long version is, I'm gonna use these initial 3 for a little while taking note of this and any other issues I notice and then make a version 2.0 that addresses all of the issues in the future.
I already have some ideas for the next version.
Thanks very much for the watch and comment

**Jon** · Dec 19, 2023, 05:34 PM

You sure were patient repeatedly answering that same point in the YT comments. It's a good demonstration of Cunningham's Law though.

**mbshop** · Dec 20, 2023, 07:52 AM

I to am frustrated by the current jam nut version. Seems to fiddly. So I hope to make a few of these for my most commonly used holder and see how it goes. Bet it goes much better than what is currently used. Basically, it's the answer to my problem. Thanks.

**hersch_tool** · Dec 21, 2023, 08:20 AM

Originally Posted by Jon

You sure were patient repeatedly answering that same point in the YT comments. It's a good demonstration of Cunningham's Law though.

Haha, I've never heard of that before, but it's 100% accurate.
My wife said something similar, "I guess you can use YouTube as a way to check for flaws in your tool designs!" lol
Always looking for the bright side.
And yeah, I figure folks don't read other comments very often.
And I'm just grateful that they watched my video and took the time to post a comment, so it doesn't bother me so much when I look at it that way.
Cheers!
HERSCH

**albertq** · Dec 21, 2023, 12:07 PM

Hi Hersch, Thanks for sharing your tool height adjuster.
With your tool height set precisely, how do you lock the adjusting ring if position of hex lock screw is hidden by tool-post lock handle?
Or do you set the height to the closest 1/2 turn?

**tonyfoale** · Dec 21, 2023, 03:46 PM

Maybe I the odd one out here (it does seem to happen) but I see no problem with the as supplied version that can't be fixed by the removal of the washer between the two nuts. Lock nuts should jam together, a washer in between destroys that. Remove the washer and the system works fine.