Tools for the new century ...

[Snag]

Since I built the QCTP , I've discovered a whole new set of
capabilities for my 72+ year old PowerKraft lathe . I already had a 1 hp
motor on it , because it was free ...
It started with a boring bar clamp post , and it is so much more
rigid than the lantern . Less singin' and a nicer finish . Then I made
the QCTP , and got a few 5/16" shank indexable cutters . I can cut a
bigger chip faster with a better finish in most cases now .
So I just ordered a 7 holder set of indexable boring bars and
threading and cutoff/grooving tool holders . And a supply of inserts ,
because sure as night follows day I'm going to tear up a few while I'm
learning how to use this stuff .
Wish me luck !

[Bob La Londe]

  Since I built the QCTP , I've discovered a whole new set of
capabilities for my 72+ year old PowerKraft lathe . I already had a 1 hp
motor on it , because it was free ...
  It started with a boring bar clamp post , and it is so much more
rigid than the lantern . Less singin' and a nicer finish . Then I made
the QCTP , and got a few 5/16" shank indexable cutters . I can cut a
bigger chip faster with a better finish in most cases now .
  So I just ordered a 7 holder set of indexable boring bars and
threading  and cutoff/grooving tool holders . And a supply of inserts ,
because sure as night follows day I'm going to tear up a few while I'm
learning how to use this stuff .
  Wish me luck !

If you ever need a little more rigidity eliminate the compound. Replace
it with a solid block of steel ground flat.

[Snag]

   Since I built the QCTP , I've discovered a whole new set of
capabilities for my 72+ year old PowerKraft lathe . I already had a 1
hp motor on it , because it was free ...
   It started with a boring bar clamp post , and it is so much more
rigid than the lantern . Less singin' and a nicer finish . Then I made
the QCTP , and got a few 5/16" shank indexable cutters . I can cut a
bigger chip faster with a better finish in most cases now .
   So I just ordered a 7 holder set of indexable boring bars and
threading  and cutoff/grooving tool holders . And a supply of inserts
, because sure as night follows day I'm going to tear up a few while
I'm learning how to use this stuff .
   Wish me luck !

If you ever need a little more rigidity eliminate the compound.  Replace
it with a solid block of steel ground flat.

Sometimes I crank the compound all the way out and snug the gib
screws a bit more . The biggest source of flex was the lantern toolpost
and the quick change has eliminated almost all of it . Parting off is
still sometimes iffy , but ya just can't have everything .

[Bob La Londe]

Post by Bob La Londe

   Since I built the QCTP , I've discovered a whole new set of
capabilities for my 72+ year old PowerKraft lathe . I already had a 1
hp motor on it , because it was free ...
   It started with a boring bar clamp post , and it is so much more
rigid than the lantern . Less singin' and a nicer finish . Then I
made the QCTP , and got a few 5/16" shank indexable cutters . I can
cut a bigger chip faster with a better finish in most cases now .
   So I just ordered a 7 holder set of indexable boring bars and
threading  and cutoff/grooving tool holders . And a supply of inserts
, because sure as night follows day I'm going to tear up a few while
I'm learning how to use this stuff .
   Wish me luck !

If you ever need a little more rigidity eliminate the compound.
Replace it with a solid block of steel ground flat.

  Sometimes I crank the compound all the way out and snug the gib
screws a bit more . The biggest source of flex was the lantern toolpost
and the quick change has eliminated almost all of it . Parting off is
still sometimes iffy , but ya just can't have everything .

I didn't mean throw it away. Just only install it when you need it.

[Snag]

Post by Bob La Londe

   Since I built the QCTP , I've discovered a whole new set of
capabilities for my 72+ year old PowerKraft lathe . I already had a
1 hp motor on it , because it was free ...
   It started with a boring bar clamp post , and it is so much more
rigid than the lantern . Less singin' and a nicer finish . Then I
made the QCTP , and got a few 5/16" shank indexable cutters . I can
cut a bigger chip faster with a better finish in most cases now .
   So I just ordered a 7 holder set of indexable boring bars and
threading  and cutoff/grooving tool holders . And a supply of
inserts , because sure as night follows day I'm going to tear up a
few while I'm learning how to use this stuff .
   Wish me luck !

If you ever need a little more rigidity eliminate the compound.
Replace it with a solid block of steel ground flat.

   Sometimes I crank the compound all the way out and snug the gib
screws a bit more . The biggest source of flex was the lantern
toolpost and the quick change has eliminated almost all of it .
Parting off is still sometimes iffy , but ya just can't have everything .

I didn't mean throw it away.  Just only install it when you need it.

Oh I knew that . I was just saying that I've gotten the rigidity I've
needed - up til now and that may change with the new tooling - By
backing the compound all the way out . A lot of people think these small
lathes don't have the rigidity to run carbide tooling effectively . My
personal experience sez "that jest ain't so" .