Author Topic: Tool post  (Read 1421 times)

Offline Bill21

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Tool post
« on: November 05, 2021, 01:19:57 PM »
What interchangeable tool posts are folks using? There seem to be several systems on the market but I understand they use different threads so not interchangeable between makes. I’m actually after a flat top test so that may limit my options or perhaps even require me to make my own?

Any information on thread sizes used would be very helpful if any of you have them. TIA.

Offline Valkrider

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Re: Tool post
« Reply #1 on: November 05, 2021, 01:27:56 PM »
Bill

I have the Sorby interchangeable tool post. From memory it is 13mm fine metric thread (which is non-standard). My workshop is in storage at the moment so I cannot check for you. My standard 13mm tap was too coarse a thread but my engineer friend had a suitable one so cut the thread for me in my flat bar that I used to mount my router table on.

Offline Bill21

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Re: Tool post
« Reply #2 on: November 05, 2021, 01:54:47 PM »
Thanks for that Colin, most helpful.  ;)

Offline Bill21

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Re: Tool post
« Reply #3 on: November 05, 2021, 04:50:21 PM »
I see we’ve covered this before - senior moment.  ::) It appears the two common ones are both 12 x 1.25 but must have different shoulder diameters as they’re not interchangeable.

Offline Valkrider

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Re: Tool post
« Reply #4 on: November 05, 2021, 07:41:26 PM »
Bill

Well found sorry about the 12mm vs 13mm.

Offline Bill21

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Re: Tool post
« Reply #5 on: November 05, 2021, 11:16:08 PM »
Bill

Well found sorry about the 12mm vs 13mm.

No problem Colin.  :)

Offline Redwill

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Re: Tool post
« Reply #6 on: November 08, 2021, 09:17:34 AM »
 Valkrider has your answer,   Seek out and Engineering workshop and get them to drill and tap a bar for you.   I went down this road and from a small workshop had half a dozen bespoke rests made for very little money,  nothing special just two pieces of metal welded together. more sturdy than the screw together rest I had.   However cost of steel bar like most things have rocketed so will not be as cheap as was.     

Offline Bill21

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Re: Tool post
« Reply #7 on: November 08, 2021, 10:39:14 AM »
I can, and have made my own tool rests. I want to try a platform rest though. I already have a small one I made for box work but I’d like a larger one. I was just thinking of buying one of the modular posts and making the top. I think though that I may end up making the post now as well though.  ::)

Offline julcle

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Re: Tool post
« Reply #8 on: November 08, 2021, 08:16:00 PM »
I have the Sorby one and very pleased with it. Doea anybody know what thread is on the Axminster version of this ?
Location: S. Wales
Crowvalley Woodturners
Julian

Offline Bill21

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Re: Tool post
« Reply #9 on: November 09, 2021, 05:44:31 PM »
I have the Sorby one and very pleased with it. Doea anybody know what thread is on the Axminster version of this ?

A mate has both types, I’ll try and find out.

Offline Bill21

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Re: Tool post
« Reply #10 on: November 10, 2021, 04:09:50 PM »
I’ve examined the two tool posts and can confirm the following.

Axminster: Stainless Steel post with M12x1.25 thread. Thread depth 9.0mm. The collar below the threaded section is, on the example I measured with a micrometer, 14.1mm diameter and around 5.9mm deep. Spanner flats are a little under 19mm.

Robert Sorby: Non stainless steel post also with M12x1.25 thread. Thread depth 9.4mm. The collar below the threaded section is 14.85mm diameter and around 4.9mm deep. Spanner flats are a little under 22mm.

This means that Robert Sorby Rests will fit both Sorby and Axminster tool posts. Due to the smaller recess though Axminster Rests will Not fit the Sorby post.

Note: M12x1.25 is a fine thread.

M12 threads are commonly available with 1.0, 1.25, 1.5 and 1.75 pitches.
« Last Edit: November 10, 2021, 04:14:50 PM by Bill21 »

Offline julcle

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Re: Tool post
« Reply #11 on: November 10, 2021, 07:26:59 PM »
Ah, that's interesting Bill. Thanks for taking the time out to find this information, I will now know what not to buy when I am in Axminster next. Much appreciated - Julian
Location: S. Wales
Crowvalley Woodturners
Julian