Machining the Casting for the Multifix Lathe Solid Toolpost Riser

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The Multifix toolpost solid riser block is back from the foundry, so today we're going to machine it and get it installed on the lathe. Big thanks to Clarke at Windy Hill Foundry for doing the casting. It looks great, so now I just have to finish it without screwing it up.
See the casting process over at Windy Hill Foundry: • FINAL CLOUGH 42 CASTING
Tools used in this video:
*This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated
Milwaukee M18 Wet/Dry Vacuum (Amazon*): amzn.to/3oIcSwB
Milwaukee Brushless Right Angle Die Grinder (Amazon*): amzn.to/3j8pqeh
3M 2" Roloc Disc Adapter (Amazon*): amzn.to/3E39hyX
Tegara 690X 6" Mill Vise (eBay*): ebay.us/wjC7Ii
Tegara 690X 6" Mill Vise (Amazon*): amzn.to/3TMDjQb
Shars 8" Dial Height Gauge (Amazon*): amzn.to/3S90nqX
Mitutoyo 4"/100mm Digital Caliper (Amazon*): amzn.to/3dEBDb2
Aventor 8" DPS IP54 Caliper (Amazon*): amzn.to/3KNwWaV
Starrett S828HZ Wiggler Set (Amazon*): amzn.to/3xNr24z
Edge Technology Clamp Indicator Holder (Amazon*): amzn.to/3MImlhf
Shars .0005" dial test indicator (Amazon*): amzn.to/3lo3Stq
Chicago Latrobe HSS Short Letter Drill Set (Amazon*): amzn.to/2PWx0dL
Chicago Latrobe HSS Short Number Drill Set (Amazon*): amzn.to/2Qgss0S
Chicago Latrobe HSS Short Franctional Drill Set (Amazon*): amzn.to/3mkmziD
Chicago Latrobe 3/4" Countersink (Amazon*): amzn.to/3s78x8l
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Bondhus SAE Hex Key Set (Amazon*): amzn.to/3h9bJLZ
Raw Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
00:00 Introduction
00:29 The raw castings
01:32 Fettling
02:09 Establishing the first flat surface
04:07 Machining to width
06:15 Machining the top surface
07:20 Locating and drilling the toolpost hole
09:41 Drilling and counterboring the mounting holes
11:32 Machining to length
11:53 Test fitting on the lathe
13:45 Conclusion / Selling the castings?
tool post riser solid toolpost riser 40 position tool post grizzly g0602

[@joeldriver381]

If it is not paying the bills it needs to be fun. Keep over engineering and sharing it!

[@frijoli9579]

If you can't make it perfect, make it adjustable. If you can't make a profit, make it fun!

[@juergenschimmer960]

And even when it is paying the bills it is better when it is fun. 🙂

[@stevewalston7089]

“If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.” ― Red Green

[@joeldriver381]

@@stevewalston7089 🤣

[@ClaytonwFirth]

100%

[@mduvigneaud]

"Wasting time" doing something that you enjoy and sharing the process with all of us. I very much appreciate! :) And Clark is awesome, he puts so much into his casting foundry, it's amazing.

[@mduvigneaud]

Dang I forgot to type the other part: the tool post riser looks absolutely amazing, very well done!

[@freemanmetalworks1698]

I agree completely. Too often we get into a mindset of efficiency (in both time and money) being the top priority in the things we do, but in doing so, something (often many somethings) get lost along the way. I appreciate my older years (55 as of the time I am typing this) where this has sort of sunk in. (though, I still catch myself falling back to my old ways). The preoccupation with efficiency in my younger days robbed me of a lot of joy and satisfaction, mainly because I too often thought that efficiency would bring me joy and satisfaction. It often did the opposite as I discovered that I could have (actually, thought I should have) been even more efficient.

[@MyLilMule]

I'll never understand why so many "hobby" machinist would rather BUY something than to make it. I mean, isn't that the point of the hobby?

[@mduvigneaud]

@@MyLilMule Sometimes it comes down to "do I spend x amount of time and frustration to make it or do I just buy the thing and not have to deal with it." Sometimes it can be far more than it's worth to make the part. Sometimes it's worth it. It just depends.

[@mduvigneaud]

@@MyLilMule As a software engineer I have sometimes recommended people not to hire me to write a custom solution and just use a canned thing.

[@steamfan7147]

I've machined a lot of cast in the past 30 odd years and boy that is some sweet material. Clark really does a great job.

[@danbreyfogle8486]

An old woodworker non machinist comment. I think your design is great and looks so professional. I agree with you that making something that makes you smile when you use it has rewards far beyond the time and energy to produce it.

[@jhawker2895]

Why is it some people just need to find fault with as many thing as they have a different idea to present? I am just happy to follow along with whatever process you present and hopefully learn something new each time. Thanks for Sharing .... Stay Safe and Well....

[@AMillionInAOne]

Those are nice castings, the aesthetic of the part came out really well with the combination of machines and raw surfaces. My first thought seeing the two raw casting was "hmm wonder if he'd sell the other one?"

[@Myrulv]

Almost a shame to machine that beautiful casting. 😂

[@ellieprice363]

@@Myrulv Unless it’s a precision investment casting ordinary castings almost always require machining.

[@davidjewell9786]

When you're doing something you love there is no such thing as wasted time and energy! Would definitely be interested in one for my G0602.

[@DAKOTANSHELBY]

Great response James to your viewer comment. You are entirely correct. I would not have changed anything how you used the available technology to design and 3D print a model for casting. Some people are just not capable of understanding self satisfaction developing these skills with the end result of a masterpiece that you will enjoy knowing "you created that". Good work sir!

[@mhansl]

Came here from Clarke’s Windy Hill Foundry channel. Glad I did. Y’all have a great network of makers and craftspeople.

[@marcosmota1094]

The most awaited video in machining! Yay! Dinner, coffee, and now Clough42! Edit: I took my niece out to learn to ride a bicycle today. Lesson No. 1: Look out for stupid people and don't be the stupid one. You've invested hundreds of hours customizing that lathe, so sure, go ahead and blow it up in 20 seconds. Do these people watch Abom or the Keiths?

[@abmbarry]

Very, Very good indeed. An excellent solution for a well known problem. .."Time wasted? No, You did what most can't" I would have loved the process too. Barry M. Australia.

[@MyLilMule]

It's not about the destination, it's the journey!

[@veciolupo]

Dear James, just want to say: it is really amazing what you are doing! Evey minute and every cent you're spending on making your watchers happy is a pure "casted" gold. If you don't like gold let's call it titanium, for the strengh of positive emotions this content brings to people. Big thanks for You from Ukraine!

[@toolbox-gua]

No waisted time watching your videos. Thank you.

[@rogerfossette2097]

Great answer to the why we do things.... People do not get it...While one man's junk is another treasure, beauty is truly in the eyes of the beholder and on and on...Thanks for the content

[@Baard2000]

Finally someone with vacuum cleaner removing chips instead of airhose !!! I do the same as in my own shop as in 2 companies I worked in the chips could really EVERYWHERE !!!!!!!!!!

[@BrianEltherington]

Great outcome from this design. Love seeing collaboration projects and resulting products emerge from my favorite KZbin communities. Can’t wait to see this first prototype in action.

[@johnsickmann9224]

Never a waste of time when you learn something and it makes you happy. Really enjoy your videos

[@DudleyToolwright]

It must have been so exciting to get the cast iron part from the mold you made. This was a really cool project. You made Mr. Renzetti proud. I really enjoy wasting my time as well.

[@mattgill6676]

Cast iron would always be my first choice for any machine component due to the exceptional damping characteristics. I would expect the solid toolpost to be excellent for parting off due to the increased rigidity over the compound slide, plus the damping ability. Can't wait to see the multifix mounted and see how it performs.

[@steinmargunnarsson3709]

This can never be a waste of money, and as long as you like and love what you are doing, it is not a waste of anything, but all gain.

[@WatchmakerErik]

Way to go, James. I want to put this here for everyone who accuses anyone else of wasting time on something fun: TIME ENJOYED IS NEVER WASTED. Great content. Thank you!

[@Abrikosmanden]

Such a beautiful piece! No time or effort was wasted here! Some people just don't understand the joy of the process. I've been looking forward to this video :)

[@novakraft]

I believe that for the hobby machinist it’s more about the journey than the destination. While we appreciate and even admire our own accomplishments, the real accomplishment is the increased knowledge and skills. Awesome job on the riser!

[@alanjackson4397]

After watching Clark’s casting video of your riser I was anxious to see your video on machining and finishing, looks great

[@wizrom3046]

Making a pattern and getting it cast at a foundry was a class move. 👍 Don't let people criticise you for that! I do think you missed a trick with the design. I would have offset the post in the Z axis, so it could be reversed for special jobs to move the toolpost further forward or further back on the carriage. That can be really useful for clearance or tool rigidity. Even better would have been to make the 4 bolt boles on a square, and offset the post in 2 axes, so then it could be mounted in 4 positions total.

[@AcidVFR400R]

With no places that can cast near me, I went and bought a hunk of steel and plan to machine it down on the cnc machine, as others have pointed out we arn't doing this to pay bills, just for the love of making things better. Blessed are the tinkers for they will achieve perfection..... eventually love the content :D

[@mrtnsnp]

"8 pound hunk of steel off-center in my small lather has comedic value". Imagining this right now, and I agree.

[@markfletcher6511]

OUT STANDING! I have been (almost) patiently waiting to see how the casting turned out. It is a thing of beauty and a joy to behold. Designing and printing the sample part as well as the casting model was fascinating and taught me a great deal about the intricacies of mold making. Another fine example of "Overkill is Under Rated", at least for me. Keep up the great work.

[@chiparooo]

Turned out very nice so far. Great casting quality, machined like butter. I’ve got one of those Milwaukee right angle grinders and it is now my go to de-burring and light grinding tool. So convenient to use without hooking up an airline. Thanks for sharing!

[@rfc8052]

Who doesn't love spending thousands on tools to make parts you could buy for a few dollars? The cornerstone of hobby machining.

[@melgross]

Nice work kid. When I make castings with a goat top, though I don’t do ferrous metals, I put a slight rounding to that part. Therefore when I get the casting out, it tends to be flat, and not sucked down as here.

[@RCDinsmore]

One of the reasons I like watching your channel is to see different ways to do things. I was surprised you used a height gauge rather than the DRO. But when I tried to figure out how to do it with the DRO, touching off of the parallels, I decided that was a lot more "fiddley". Neat.

[@williamhenry8496]

Bang up Job I agree with you hobby means enjoying what you do....

[@CraigLYoung]

Thanks for sharing 👍 Don't think you waisted your time. Looks good to me.

[@tomnorman5461]

adjective. having a waist of a specified kind (usually used in combination): long-waisted; high-waisted. (of an object, a container, etc.) shaped like a waist; having concave sides: a waisted vase

[@ftownroe]

Another great video. Like you, I don’t work on the clock and enjoy the journey far more than the arrival at the final destination.

[@garygarland9366]

I’ll likely never get a lathe or mill or DRO, but I’m still addicted to this channel! Keep up the incredible work and having fun!

[@Dave.Wilson]

Every time I go in to my workshop, I waste loads of time and money, And I love every minute of t. And occasionally I make something that might be useful. Keep up the good work Clough42, thanks for sharing.

[@NellsMechanicalManCave]

James ! What you made is unique. That's why the series of videos is interesting. If we all made the same thing in the same way, engineering videos on KZbin should be very boring. I share ideas, all of which have a slightly different take from the conventional. If fires peoples imagination and gets them thinking out of the box! Great video! Cheers Neil

[@taranson3057]

I enjoy watching you play in your shop. Not many folks show their process from start to finish and a lot of us like to see those little tidbits. It gives us ideas of what we can spend our time and money on.

[@willybeeish]

I'm a newcomer from UK. Love the non stop commentary and professional approach. It's like a skilled Master Tutorial. Probably hooked, but will try and machine one first. Thanks James.

[@mumblbeebee6546]

Tidy! It fits so well that the corner closes to the spindle “sticks out” to me since the slide below has a larger chamfer 😎 Oh, also, I love wasting time: learning things, having a smile, collaborating with other humans, that wasted time is great! Thank you as always for wasting your time with us!

[@maxcactus7]

I enjoy wasting time and money buying tools I don't need but simply want, just like James!

[@marks33363]

I love wasting time in my shop everyday.........please don't stop doing what you do. Your videos are very informative and I get ideas everytime I watch one. Thanks!

[@TimWelds]

Such a great video and project! I absolutely agree that it’s worth the effort!

[@mchiodox69]

Windy Hill and Clark are a great place - craftsmanship and quality work for sure.

[@mattcmullen]

I guess if you are wasting your time making it I am wasting my time watching it. Please ignore dumb comments like that, your content is fantastic! Thanks for sharing your processes, I always feel like I learned something new.

[@mark111943]

I enjoy the process and the tools I use to achieve what I want done. I 100% understand why you did it this way and if that makes you happy then that’s all that matters. Possibly pointing out that you could chuck a hunk of steel in its place might help those who feel what you did looks all too hard so don’t even try… Keep it up James. Cheers West Australia.

[@billh308]

Keep doing what you do, you're my favorite channel.

[@v3ctors69]

James, thanks for doing what is interesting to you and posting it on here. The way you explain things just makes since. I can't wait to get a lathe and get to making some chips of my own soon.

[@jonathanoseredzuk3892]

Excellent series thus far James! Keep doing it your way

[@MrGerhardFourie]

Well done!! Magnificent result

[@PhilDavisFilms]

Can't agree more, joy in the making is worth as much as the doing of the thing itself. Greatly enjoyed this build and the riser looks excellent, I also watched Clark's video on the casting. Thanks for sharing.

[@justinhillpac]

I’m interested in one! I might have to save for a bit because I have some other projects up first but I definitely want to do this to my G0602 as well. Great as always!

[@amundsen575]

using cad to design - you always get a little better at it and find different ways to accomplish what sometimes seem simple but aint. great job on the riser block

[@windyhillfoundry5940]

Looks beautiful James, hope it delivers superior rigidity for you👍

[@woodscreekworkshop9939]

Great casting Clarke! 👍🏻

[@theundergroundesd]

Good job. We make stuff because we can. Also what people don’t t realize is you are honing your skills for the next big project. Keep up the good work.

[@jasone3166]

I too wondered about turning a large block of steel on the lathe, however, the process of designing, slicing, 3D printing, casting and then machining a custom part is inspiring to watch. My 13 year-old son has the same 3D printer, and has been giving me tutorials on fusion 360. I have an old industrial lathe and would like to get a milling machine and I am absolutely fascinated by the ability of the home workshop to produce things that a few years ago would have been impossible without an industrial facility or a very experienced professional with a lot of time. Thanks for sharing your experience with the process.

[@markdymond5352]

Looks great, 100% agree worth the extra effort just to try something new. I'm interested in a casting if you make them available, its a project thats been on my list for too long.

[@joewhitney4097]

Nice project, great casting, I enjoy your attention to detail. Thanks for sharing.

[@damianzanolli1845]

I think that this was a great video! To me, it has a lot of educational value as well. I learned some things about fusion 360 and how to make 3d printed molds from the previous video. The collaboration video that I watched with Windy Hill Foundry was really interesting as well, because it showed how everything came together into that final piece. Can’t wait to see the final steps that finish out this project.

[@julienmeklis3709]

I am doing a lot of things that could be cheaper but like you, I prefer to have pleasure doing my own way. Life is sometimes not pleasant so let’s make it fun the other times 👍

[@dennismacwilliams196]

I love your, wasting my time lol... I probably would never have a use for any of the things you do. I don't care, I enjoy watching and learning your a good teacher thx

[@19672701]

Thanks for the great content,glad you challenge yourself on every video! Keep up the great work,truly enjoy your videos every week.

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

Great bit of work there James. I know you will be proud of the toolpost when done. Thanks for the video keep on keeping on.

[@chemicalcorrosion]

A little off topic from machining, but I had a similar experience building a 3D printer. Someone in a forum was complaining that I was over engineering and waisting time and money on my custom build. I politely explained that it was MY time, MY money and MY experience in the build. I left that forum. Love your content BTW!

[@Finding_K_Factor]

Nice riser James! Having it cast is pretty slick. Glad you decided to do a pattern and have a well designed riser cast that you machined. Hoping you plan to paint the casting once you are finished with the Multifix mounting. Really enjoy your “over engineering” you share in your videos.😀

[@foxabilo]

That casting reminded me of old Bridgeport parts.

[@peirossmallhomemachineshop5364]

Of course I share and fully endorse your conclusions. Nothing better than being satisfied of the perfect outcome of a past project. Great project and great video … as always.

[@MEMO-sb1sd]

Great video. Love your response at the end 👌 That’s why we do it

[@Myrulv]

Really enjoy watching your work. 🤗

[@anthonyalbanese1993]

Oh I'd love one of these castings - would save a ton of time making a solid toolpost from a large hunk of iron/steel.

[@mechjack]

Not a waste of time. Experience gained. Another great video. As you mentioned, you got what you wanted.

[@robertharper8776]

thanks James loved both parts! we are doing a hobby not a wast of time keep up the good work!

[@thejoetandy]

Deserves hot blued, and then some gold leaf on the foundry's logo. Great build!

[@margaritaseitz5115]

Absolutely never a waste of time acquiring and testing new skills.

[@Panzermuh]

That finished riser looks soooo good. Awesome work, if I were you, I'd be smiling like sunshine.

[@starfieldlive]

love the video and the process. thank you

[@DolezalPetr]

Lovely work

[@EZ_shop]

Very nice James.

[@JimsShed]

Very satisfying. I don't have a mill so living vicariously through your projects :D

[@subuser9627]

Finally, looks like a winner 😊

[@bme-uk]

Good video as usual James

[@reinierwelgemoed8171]

ive been waiting for this one.

[@mith5168]

Well Done Mr. 42

[@chrisford9045]

Hi James. Looks good. Love your videos. Thanks for making them. A comment or suggestion : I would put a undercut on the top and bottom surface. This gives you most leverage from resisting cutting tool foce, pressure or feedback turning the toolpost and no chance of any rocking on the bottom surface.

[@gumbycw]

Great job. Turned out awesome. I'm definitely interested in your casting. Keep us posted on if you're going to make them available. Thanks for the great videos.

[@hermannstraub3743]

So you are wasting your time AND you are wasting our time as well AND that is why we all are here! Keep going! 👍

[@johnmccanntruth]

This was such a cool project, especially because I watch both channels.

[@richardcurtis556]

That's the definition of a hobby; something that the rest of the family sees as a waste of time and money.

[@crabmansteve6844]

I love cast iron too, it's one of the most fun metals to machine. I like cast iron, brass and all forms of bronze the most.

[@HexenzirkelZuluhed]

These came out nice. Now, I've also seen the past.

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Very nice upgrade.

[@Doug_Edwards]

Cool build. Nice job. Doug

[@wjhjr1415]

Great project. No wasted time here!

[@RobytheFlorentine]

Hi... You have a great philosophy. I made a video about something similar by welding together many plates but your job is much more elegant. Saluti da Firenze

[@peterspencer6442]

Looks amazing, totally agree with you at 14:22

[@JaapGrootveld]

I like seeing a cast part being machined. 💖

[@g.tucker8682]

"Wane," good word.

[@nickp4793]

Really nice job! And its pretty. Appearance matters. I bought a new 12x36 import lathe in 1996 or so. I discovered the top of the compound (where the tool post mounted) was not parallel to the bottom of the compound where it mounted to the cross slide. This resulted in the tool height changing any time I swiveled the tool post for a different cutting angle. I was working part time in a machine shop at the time while in school, and one of the toolmakers helped me make them parallel. For the life of me I can't remember if it was done on the mill or the surface grinder. Anyway, I only bring it up incase your top and bottom are not parallel. Mine was off a mile (.030" range). Yours might only be off .001"-003" range the way you machined it on the mill.