General Help Needed: Jet Lathe BD-920W

[Growley]

Hello all! New member here looking for some very beginner information. I appreciate any help anyone can offer. I have searched the forum topics and didn't have any luck so I wanted to reach out. Also, don't feel you have to answer any question I ask that is already in this forum or another somewhere. I'm fine doing my research, but could just use a little help getting pointed in the right direction.

I just purchased my lathe for making briar tobacco pipes. Most of the master pipe makers I know use metal lathes to make them. I've never used a metal lathe and while I understand the general principals I'm a bit lost on some important pieces.

1. I have a 4 way tool post. Does this mean I can attach 4 tools to it and just rotate to the one I need? Also, how do you know what size cutting tool to purchase? Do I need a 3/8's or 1/4, or does it even matter? Once you've picked your tools do you simply insert them under the pins in the direction you need them and crank the pins down to hold it in place or is there a more specific way of attaching the tools? (I've attached a pic of my tool post for reference)

2. I have an MT-2 tailstock. Really dumb question here...I can't figure out what's going to keep my MT-2 Chuck Arbor from spinning. Is it just that the fit is so precise that it doesn't, or is there some tightener that I'm not seeing? Also, will ANY MT-2 arbor fit or is it brand specific?

Once again, thanks for any help anyone can offer. I appreciate it.

Sincerely,

Brian.

[sha-ul]

When I used on of these years back, you could unlock the tool post& rotate it to index in a new tool

[Growley]

When I used on of these years back, you could unlock the tool post& rotate it to index in a new tool
Thanks Sha-ul, I believe that's right. I appreciate your response on that piece.

[aametalmaster]

The MT taper in the tail quill may be dirty inside. Its supposed to grip on the taper itself. There is a trick to keep it from spinning and i did mine because i make pen blanks and sometimes it will spin when drilling. I drilled and tapped a 1/8" brass pipe plug right into the quill where the flat is on the MT adaptor then filled it off to suit. I know that isn't proper but some lathes came from the factory like that...Bob

[Growley]

The MT taper in the tail quill may be dirty inside. Its supposed to grip on the taper itself. There is a trick to keep it from spinning and i did mine because i make pen blanks and sometimes it will spin when drilling. I drilled and tapped a 1/8" brass pipe plug right into the quill where the flat is on the MT adaptor then filled it off to suit. I know that isn't proper but some lathes came from the factory like that...Bob
I see what you're getting at. That makes sense. Thanks for the response!