Quick Change Tool Holder for Mini Lathe
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Quick Change Tool Holder for Mini Lathe
This is one of the first upgrades you should do to your mini lathe.


To cut with a lathe requires a tool. To use that tool it should be positioned such that the tip of the tool is aligned to the center of the part being cut. With a standard tool post that usually means shimming the tool to get the appropriate height. If the tool is too large it must be ground or machined to lower it. A quick change tool post (QCTP) allows the tool height to be easily adjusted with a treaded height knob. The quick change tool holders also retain their height adjustment with lock nuts such that they are ready to go with the next use. Quick change tool posts come in different sizes but the vast majority of mini lathes should use the OxA size tool post. This includes lathes with up to a 8" cross slide.  The quick change base can accept different tool holders that accommodate different types of tools such as turning, facing, boring, knurling, measuring, and parting tools.
A quick change tool holder will save a significant amount of time in setup and fabrication. There are many great videos online demonstrating the installation, setup, and use of a quick change tool post including the one in this link so I won't be redundant and try and explain all the facets of their use in this post. I know the QCTP was one my best investments in my lathe and gets used more than any other upgrade I have made.