Quick change tool posts

[ChriX]

Hi all. I did eventually get around to buying a lathe and moving it into my part built workshop. I have been looking for a few extras, particularly a QCTP.

My machine has a centre height of 165mm so I decided I wanted a Dickson S2 tool post - but the original holders and posts seem to go for a crazy amount, I guess they are really good quality but I don't want to drop that much on a post and a few holders when there are other things I need as well.

Are any of the clones better than any others, or are they really so bad I should just continue to look for a Dickson one? All I have at the moment is just the standard fixed tool post, not even a bolt to put it on the top slide.

Chris

[Blue Chips]

A make to look for that is a good combination of quality and price is Phase II.

Ken

[Stilldrillin]

Chris.
I bought my mini lathe, Dixon toolpost starter set from RDG. (2nd one down, 725MYFORD. I think)  .... http://rdgtools.co.uk/acatalog/Quick_Change_Toolposts__Complete_Sets_.html   

Then I bought a pair of holders from Chronos. (5th one down. Ref: EMFS2. I think) ...  http://www.chronos.ltd.uk/acatalog/Lathe_Quick_Change_Toolposts.html

Very happy with what I've got. I didn't see the need to spend the price of a new lathe, for a top quality toolpost.
Still don't! 

David D

[Jonny]

My machine has a centre height of 165mm so I decided I wanted a Dickson S2 tool post

Mine came with a Dickson S2 tool post and i think its too small. Also didnt appreciate the cost of the additional tool posts blowing a hole in £500 secondhand just to get me going.
I have the chinese 250/200 series tool holders quite cheap at £20 each, last count have 17 and need more. Best place Gloster tooling £96 for 5 delivered. I have 4 of these two unused boxed with part tool block and blades.

[ChriX]

Thanks for the suggestions, I quite like the look of the Phase II wedge ones.

Is there any benefit either way for wedge style vs. piston style?

Jonny: what size did you go for in the end then?

[Jonny]

Chris its a nightmare, these tool holders are all made in same factory and labelled under who is selling them. The difference is they all call these tool posts something different to other dealers.

250-200 are a bit bigger than a Dickson S2, you could get away with one of them but ideally the 300 series.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/Extra-Tool-Holder-For-Quick-Change-Tool-Post/G5942
Download top Tools catalogue http://www.glostertooling.co.uk/    Its on page 56 £127 got two spare with parting tools new. Phone up and 5 off type 250-201 V type tool holders are £96 delivered. I usually mill them out and slot up to 25mm high tools in and change end two grub screws for hex head.

I tried twice to order correct tool holders from Allendale failed twice, way too small, same with some where else.