Colchester Student Mk1 Slide Conversion Advice

[John_aero]

Good morning,

I have gotten my mk1 lathe up and running, just wondering is it possible to modify or convert the standard T-Slot top slide to a compound slide.

Just same me money having to buy tool holders with build in angles.

 

[addjunkie]

Buy a complete compound from someone who brakes lathes for spares, and drill and tap your cross slide appropriatley

 

[John_aero]

Buy a complete compound from someone who brakes lathes for spares, and drill and tap your cross slide appropriatley

No one in ireland will do that sort work, must start looking on ebay

 

[Morris]

I'm not sure if I understand the question.
You already have a compound slide (it uses a circular T slot for locking). I believe that what you want is a different tool post mount. If so then you don't need to change the compound slide.

 

[John_aero]

I'm not sure if I understand the question.
You already have a compound slide (it uses a circular T slot for locking). I believe that what you want is a different tool post mount. If so then you don't need to change the compound slide.

Yes just to allow me set the tool at a different angle instead of 90 degree to the workpiece

 

[Smallfry]

I don't understand either. A different mount will allow you to set the tool at whatever angle you want.

 

[John_aero]

any particular mounts work with these lathes?

Must see if the quick release mounts are sold lovally

 

[John_aero]

What i was looking to do is see if there was away to modify the existing setup instead buying new parts.

I could disassembly the unit, remove ball and spray and fit a locking handle

 

[Morris]

Yes just to allow me set the tool at a different angle instead of 90 degree to the workpiece

The compound slide will allow you to do that as it is.
A Dickson toolpost will fit with the correct conversion stud.

 

[indykid]

I don't understand what you're trying to tell us about tool angles.

If it's like a Bantam, the compound rotates around the blue axis when you unloosen the two nuts circled (one shown hidden, it's round the back) and the lantern toolpost rotates around the red axis when you unloosen the clamp bolt on top.

A better image of your lathe and its current toolpost might help us to help you.

 

[John_aero]

I don't understand what you're trying to tell us about tool angles.

If it's like a Bantam, the compound rotates around the blue axis when you unloosen the two nuts circled (one shown hidden, it's round the back) and the lantern toolpost rotates around the red axis when you unloosen the clamp bolt on top.

View attachment 505475

A better image of your lathe and its current toolpost might help us to help you.

I dont have the lantern top. But yes ill check the locking nut on mine see if can get it to rotate. didnt think it allowed rotation

 

[fizzy]

I dont have the lantern top. But yes ill check the locking nut on mine see if can get it to rotate. didnt think it allowed rotation

Just get a dickson or similar clone. You just use a T nut and a long bolt.

 

[John_aero]

Just get a dickson or similar clone. You just use a T nut and a long bolt.

View attachment 505491

I am a tight **** trying avoid spending money on one. Maybe only option really

 

[indykid]

You have a solid 4 way toolpost on the lathe. The (threaded) hole in the nut on top (arrowed below) should have a rod with a threaded end to effect a handle, to allow you to unclamp the toolpost and it will then rotate on the stud.

I mean no disrespect, but I can't help thinking we're being trolled. If not, I'm concerned what challenges you'll face once you start turning. Do you have anyone with any experience locally that can show you how to get going safely?

 

[John_aero]

You have a solid 4 way toolpost on the lathe. The (threaded) hole in the nut on top (arrowed below) should have a rod with a threaded end to effect a handle, to allow you to unclamp the toolpost and it will then rotate on the stud.

View attachment 505492

I mean no disrespect, but I can't help thinking we're being trolled. If not, I'm concerned what challenges you'll face once you start turning. Do you have anyone with any experience locally that can show you how to get going safely?

Ill video it after, the unit has a 4way tool holder yes but the handler quick changes the tools, it spins/snaps the tool holder to next tool. Turning is fine as used to have a smaller unit for a long time.

 

[Morris]

I dont have the lantern top. But yes ill check the locking nut on mine see if can get it to rotate. didnt think it allowed rotation

The compound will allow rotation if you need it.
If you don't have the lantern tool post then as said, the tool post will (should) rotate if the clamp nut is loosened.
That's two ways of changing the tool angle.
I
You seem to have no knowledge of lathes at all being blunt. I would suggest doing some reading on the subject, going on a course or finding someone local who can give advice/help. You will not regret it.

 

[Morris]

Ill video it after, the unit has a 4way tool holder yes but the handler quick changes the tools, it spins the tool holder when work the lever. Turning is fine as used to have a smaller unit for a long time.

Ok, missed this while typing. Apologies.

 

[John_aero]

Ill put some triflow onto the saddle in case the lock buts have seized up stopping it rotate.

Its wouldn't rotate when I tried but again it has been sitting idle for few months in my shed.

In work so cant get to lathe till later.

Can see how my tool holder work in the video below from another lathe.

I just wondered if can be rotated as per my previous emcomat lathe. didnt want go stripping tool holder in case there was an easier way i had missed.

 

[Seadog]

I don't understand what you're trying to tell us about tool angles.

If it's like a Bantam, the compound rotates around the blue axis when you unloosen the two nuts circled (one shown hidden, it's round the back) and the lantern toolpost rotates around the red axis when you unloosen the clamp bolt on top.

View attachment 505475

A better image of your lathe and its current toolpost might help us to help you.

If you unloosen the nuts you'll never move it

 

[RobCox]

If you unloosen the nuts you'll never move it

Not according to several online dictionaries, which state that loosen and unloosen are taken to mean the same thing! It's a favorite word of Joe Pie on youtube, guaranteed to upset some people!