Rocker/Lantern Tool Post

[Metalshopteacher]

Hi, this is my first post to this forum, I am a Metal shop teacher in Canada and I have three lathes in my shop, craftex lathes and the tool posts are falling apart and they are only 2 years old. That's ok anyways because I want to replace them with Rocker/Lantern type tool posts. The problem is they are tough to find and I can only find two placed to purchase them, Wholesale tools and Grizzly tools. Wholesale tools have the size I need (1/2" Shank) but are sold out with no idea when they will get more. Grizzly has them but wrong shank and Armstrong tools has discontinued them.

Does anyone know where I would find some?

[aametalmaster]

http://www.mcmaster.com has some. Ebay has lots of them. People are getting rid of them in groves. If i was a shop teacher and had some machines for the kids to learn on i would build some sq tool blocks like these. I made them for my lathes. They are simple and easy to use plus i can do so much with the 2 different sized slots...Bob

[Metalshopteacher]

my lathes have those style tool posts but the problem is they way they are designed the only cutters I can get to fit are carbide or indexable tool bits. And the only parting tool I can find to fit these lathes are for mini lathes and they break off with even 1/4 inch aluminum stock. And even if the parting tools didn't break off I cant afford the cutters, the cheapies I get at 5.50 a pop are too expensive. I need to be able to resharpen HSS bits to make ends meet. So the only thing that fits the bill for me at this point is the rocker style posts as I can get he holders, steel bits and a 1/8" thick x 1" or bigger parting blade for em. Unless somoene can direct me to somthing better.

[aametalmaster]

Thats why you design your post around your cutters. I use lots of HSS bits in all different sizes i just shim the block or bit to suit. I have at least 30 different bits, tools and other things i put in this one block. It sure works well and allows me do do any job that walks in the door without special tooling. You might want to ask over at the PM forum but you will get so many different answers and 99% all lean toward an Aloris or Phase II type i don't even use...Bob
http://www.practicalmachinist.com

[Metalshopteacher]

I went back and looked at the quick change tool posts that everyone raves about that I previously couldn't afford and priced it all out. With me having to order the tool post special order across the border and with fees I can actually go with a QCTP for a difference of 10 bucks so I am going to propose this. as the QCTP appears to take HSS bits, something I never planned to use but with the increase in price I cant afford them now.

[DonT]

I have used all 3 styles, rocker (lantern style) the square block style and the QC. After going to the QC I never looked back. Now to qualify this I am only using a 9" (4.5" between the center and bed) South Bend Lathe with about a 24" bed.

Parting tools, boring tools, carbide, HSS. Work great, I have about 10 different tool holders cutting the setup time down.

Just my $.02.......

DonT