Harbor Freight Tool Post Review Video

[@Cpl.Cadaver]

I had some success with the 5/16" cemented carbide bits. However, I did have to shim them up around 6-7 thou. I installed a QCTP and I have not looked back.

[@TheMiniMachineShop]

I haven't looked back either until I watched a number of video reviews I mentioned and they are all using this tool post. Huh? That's why I took a look at it .... love how they tell people which crank moves what, would never have figured that out on my own, but they don't bother to tell the important stuff like what tool they are using!!

[@Cpl.Cadaver]

I saw a few of Don Brandt's videos where he had a shaved indexable tool holder in the 4 way tool post. I am not saying it is wrong but I don't agree with shaving a tool holder to fit into a tool post. If nothing else, it would make a good paperweight.

[@BuckleyWiley]

Just unboxed the quick change tool post 3 minutes ago waiting for lathe to arrive

[@TheMiniMachineShop]

The QCTP makes life so easy!!

[@TheMiniMachineShop]

Must watch kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZS4ZaBoqrxkg9E

[@JimmiePorterAtStuartArts]

Amazing I have the exact same question on the stock HF tool post. I rigged a shim to get my 1/4" cutters to the right height. Look forward to hearing more!

[@zoticrr9638]

Ive seen those chinese carbide tool holders at 8mm, maybe thats the one

[@robcassie7988]

I bought the 1/4" inserted cutters from Harbor Freight. Luckily I had some 1/16" sheet and cut out 1/4" strips. A light sanding and I super glued the shims to the tools. They Caliper .312 - .313. It lines up perfectly to center now. Maybe your holder is not the same I don't know. It should be 5/16 though.

[@deerepower337]

I use that one all the time I shim it up wherever I need it to be

[@davidaarons2488]

Hey Dave, it's for 5/16 and HF has a 5/16 bit set. You said in your post it's low about .020 so you just shim it up. They (tool posts) are made for all Sieg lathes. I have seen many machinists on KZbin that use shims on tools. You know they sell shim stock in tons of sizes, just the nature of the biz. God Bless you. later Dave A

[@TheRetiredtech]

David Aarons Save seems to be missing the point that all toolholders have to be adjustable. Some are quick set some are like lantern and are tillable while others hVe to use packing. These types are great as you can get 4 tools set up and rotate shush it really quickly changing tool bits.

[@davidaarons2488]

Hey, you are right I had a Sherline lathe before 7x12 and only had 1/4 bits and A2z QCTP and thy had to be shimed or packed to get proper height. I didn't have any shim stock so I used business cars as packing worked fine. God Bless Dave A

[@pauls5745]

yes, I have also .020 and .020 +.002 shims for the 5/16 bits and that is easier than the 3/8 i use ground down to height

[@anthonycash4609]

The 4 sided tool post on them lathes were not designed for one size bit only. You have to use shims on them just as you do on a lantern style tool post.

[@richbuege6491]

The tool post is made for 5/16 tools. The use of shims for any tool post turret is considered standard. Make them out of anything, from empty soup cans to small pieces of flat stock, take something apart and see thin sheet metal, cut it to size and keep it. Don't confuse the turrets that come with the mini lathes with those intended for commercial production, there are huge differences, both in quality and price. Just before I retired, one of the machines I used to run got a new one. $5000. Repeatability was on the order of .0001 inch. You won't get that with a mini lathe.

[@cwgreen1938]

Maybe that HF tool post was mint to use shims under the bit to bring the 1/4" up to center?

[@jacewalton6677]

I just bought a lathe second hand. and the hey also threw in some cutters that actually set very close to center. and ya about 5/16. I bought some hss blanks a while back and will be getting a QCTP soon. on a more positive not I just spent about 8 hours cleaning and polishing and adjusting my lathe it is ridged and smooth. ... except for the compound its kinda stiff. has anyone had any troubles or tips for smoothing the compound movement?

[@TheMiniMachineShop]

One of my videos talks about lapping. #78

[@coffeeinthemorning5226]

... well you can take the oversized ones and sized them to perfect fit up with a surface grinder

[@TheRetiredtech]

Dave you always use packing with theses type of posts. I buy a cheap set of feeler gauges and take the pivot out. you can fine tune any bit smaller . 1/4 or 1/8 even.. Even my 10 inch Jet the 4 way required packing..

[@TheJOEYBUCKS]

Dave, love the videos. I plan today to get my first mini. I got a great deal for the 7x10 HF. I've never used a machine before. What do you recommend for accessories to get me started? Should I be concerned with the QCTP or certain cutters at this point? I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks.

[@TheMiniMachineShop]

Some 5 new people starting so this video won't release until March 9th but here is part of it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpLNeKWeaa-aq7s

[@le3045acp]

use any tool that is too low and shim up as needed with a spacer and feeler gauge as shim stock but i threw mine in a box and never looked back

[@deronsiegel8005]

nice old wrench. i got a few of grandfathers old tools. he was also in ww2. he has a mechanic

[@dougyounglove1303]

Dave it is not congressional medal it is just the medal of honor

[@TheMiniMachineShop]

Correct but is also referred to as congressional.

[@dougyounglove1303]

@@TheMiniMachineShop those who use congressional in front of medal are using the wrong terms I am not trying to start anything I am a guy that watches your vids alot so I will leave it at that I think you putvsome good info out there 👍 for folks who are not machinists

[@torb0b]

'sdjcr 1010 0(6)(7)' fits perfectly. no need for shimming. its 10mm. Another set:'SWGC 1010'

[@TheMiniMachineShop]

Just milled a 5/16 square test part and it about .020 to low for what it's worth ....

[@ianmoone2359]

Dave M Then 11/32ths should do the trick! 😂😜

[@metal2]

the original use on them 4 way tool post was for production run not really the small lathe, the best one I like was the lantern tool post or rocker one .

[@TheMiniMachineShop]

That makes since! I see them everywhere being used on larger lathes.... to bad they didn't make a specific one for the mini lathe. Wonder if there is anything else used that's production..

[@metal2]

im looking in my book to :)

[@dianogle5208]

those tool holders are meant to be used with shims under the bit. Also none of the cutters you showed would work well on aluminum. you need to check, on line for what tools to use and how to grind them.

[@hughcoleman3866]

Yep. As others have said, 5/16” square HSS stock. But! You’ll still need to shim about 20 thou. I use old hacksaw blades as shims. I’m building myself a quick change tool post though to replace the standard tool post on my C2. Just one of the many upgrades my little lathe is getting in order to enable more accurate turning.

[@TheMiniMachineShop]

You have no idea how much better life will be after the upgrade!!!!!!!!!!

[@hughcoleman3866]

Dave M oh, I know full well how much better life will be. New carriage bearings (from solid bronze), steel thread change gears, a quick change TP, one day some taper bearings on the spindle. I love the lathe already, but I’d not say no to a slightly larger and more powerful one.

[@123hurst3]

Since the lathe is metric, could the 4 post holder be for metric tool blanks?

[@TheMiniMachineShop]

None of the cutters work watch video #106 and you'll see the actual dimensions.

[@jerrycolter6297]

there are design for metric cutting tools. try some with 9 mm

[@TheMiniMachineShop]

In #106 you'll see the results of a 9mm but good insight!

[@Sasha0K]

its for 5/16" - but still a bit low...

[@oldhick9047]

That's why you buy used feeler gauges when you can

[@TheMiniMachineShop]

LOL a QCTP is the only way to go....

[@chirots]

It is designed to hold 5/16" tools.

[@TheMiniMachineShop]

Find video 106 and you will see if you're right!

[@oldasdirt1446]

Manual for mini lathe says 5/16 bits

[@TheMiniMachineShop]

Never thought of checking the manual! Funny since that's off. And why does HF sell two 1/4 sets which are also not usable without shims? They should include shims with their sets. Be good to know if anyone is on center with 5/16 and the stock post.

[@5b4aezmarinoscyprus71]

Are you a HAM radio..? If yes what is you callsing.

[@deronsiegel8005]

just put a shim under the cutter

[@TheMiniMachineShop]

cheesy!

[@oldhick9047]

I think you and I will do fine

[@dadmezz4024]

10 mm

[@TheMiniMachineShop]

That would make sense! Chinese lathe so metric ...

[@TheMiniMachineShop]

Hmmm just calipered the 3/8 bit I showed in the video and its 9.67mm so 10mm would be even higher....

[@chrisnixon2179]

5/16

[@TheMiniMachineShop]

That would be .025 to low if you watch this videokzbin.info/www/bejne/rmishIJrnt9on7M

[@oldhick9047]

Shims

[@timritchie1124]

Shim it.

[@chuckmatson7255]

Sorry my man. I just can't watch you chewing gum. How rude!!!

[@TheMiniMachineShop]

Its medicine to keep me from coughing during the opening. Just got over a cold...

[@chuckmatson7255]

oh! I appoligize.

[@taylorboarman7993]

5/16