QCTP Tool Holders
I bought an A2Z CNC quick change tool post right after I bought my 7x lathe. It came with 2 turning tool holders, 1 boring bar holder and 1 cut off tool holder. I have a variety of 1/4" and 5/16" HSS tools, insert tools and my knurling tool, so I was constantly changing tools in the 2 holders. This requires resetting the tool height and partially negates the point of having a quick change tool post. I could buy more holders, but this was a great opportunity to learn how to cut dovetails.
I cut some chunks of aluminum 1" x 2" x 3/4" and surfaced all the sides with a fly cutter. Cutting the dovetails was a little challenging. I thought I measured correctly using dowel pins, an adjustable parallel and a micrometer like I read online, but I must have messed up the measurement or the equation. The first dovetail I cut was a little loose, but it still works fine on the tool post. I adjusted my numbers and the next 2 were a better fit. After confirming that the dovetails were correct, I cut the tool slots and drilled all the holes for set screws and height adjustment stud in the mill. I tapped all the 10-32 holes by hand. I used threaded brass rod for the height adjustment studs since I had some on hand and I think it looks better than steel. I bought the knurled adjustment knobs because they were too cheap to justify making them myself.
I cut some chunks of aluminum 1" x 2" x 3/4" and surfaced all the sides with a fly cutter. Cutting the dovetails was a little challenging. I thought I measured correctly using dowel pins, an adjustable parallel and a micrometer like I read online, but I must have messed up the measurement or the equation. The first dovetail I cut was a little loose, but it still works fine on the tool post. I adjusted my numbers and the next 2 were a better fit. After confirming that the dovetails were correct, I cut the tool slots and drilled all the holes for set screws and height adjustment stud in the mill. I tapped all the 10-32 holes by hand. I used threaded brass rod for the height adjustment studs since I had some on hand and I think it looks better than steel. I bought the knurled adjustment knobs because they were too cheap to justify making them myself.