Small Quick Change Tool Post

[old_toolmaker]

I originally designed this small Quick Change Tool Post to fit my Unimat DB200. This design is based loosely on the Hardinge quick change tool post and uses a wedge against the dovetail to lock the tool holder. It is far better than anything I have seen so far for the little Unimat lathe and other small lathes such as Taig and Sherline.
The design features are:
A) 1-3/8" square quick change tool post
B) Customizable to fit any lathe .472" (12MM) minimum vertical center distance required from the centerline of lathe headstock to top of compound cross slide)
C) 1/2" X 7/8" X 1-3/8" quick change tool holders hold 1/4" tool bits (tool slot size is 5/16")
D) Tool height is easily adjustable via a socket set screw from the top
E) Robust construction, repeatable, rigid, smooth and positive operation
F) Saves set up time on the lathe
G) All components fully detailed CAD Drawings DUAL DIMENSIONED (Imperial & Metric)

Repeat-ability is well within .0005" tool change to tool change. I have also used it on my MicroMark 7" X 16" mini lathe with very good results with an added riser block. The build is straight forward. It does require the use of a dovetail cutter which is available from McMaster-Carr. It is possible to machine it entirely on the lathe on which it will be used if it is equipped with a milling attachment, but, a milling machine can make it easier and quicker. I built the one pictured about ten years ago and have sold hundreds of copies of this plan to date. I is the only tool post I use on my Unimat and it makes setting tool height so easy. You can make as many tool holders as you need to leave all your tools set up in holders ready to be interchanged at a moments notice. The plan includes fully detailed drawings, material suggestions and step by step written documentation for each part. Nothing is left to the imagination. I will be here on this forum monitoring this thread to help with any questions that may arise. I want to see anyone who wants to build this project succeed and I will make an effort to coach from a distance. However, due to the wide range of skill levels and circumstances beyond my control I cannot guarantee the outcome.
Happy Building!
This Quick Change Tool Post was featured on the front cover of the November 2011 issue of Model Engineers Workshop a UK publication.

Dick