Myford Super7 toolpost/modification for 12-mm/1/2-inch tooling

[malleusmagnus]

Hello all from across the pond.

I’ve recently purchased a little used Super7B and lots of tooling, some of it 12-mm.  Obviously, the 12-mm tooling won’t reach the centerline of the workpiece, being to high to do so.  I’m a bit baffled about why this tooling was in the cabinet, but it’s RDG stock and nearly new, if not unused, so I’m loathe to chuck it.

I know I can cut the top slide down, but I’d rather not.  I’ve looked for a QC toolpost to satisfy this tooling, but, if they’re available, I’m missing the specs to confirm it.

What is the current state of the art solution?

Thanks in advance for your kind consideration.

[uuu]

Mill a bit off the bottom of each tool, so they fit.  You can leave the nose end full height.  Then they'll fit your current toolpost, and any QC one you care to get.

Wilf

Edit:  I have tools modified in this way.  They're not "precious", just things to be used.

[Charles Lamont]

I assume you have a either QC toolpost or 4-tool turret fitted.

1/2" square tools would be used direct on the surface of the topslide, packed and shimmed to centre height, and held by the old fashioned clamp plate with jack screw, which is part of the lathe's the standard equipment.

With only 5/8" available, it is not really possible to arrange a rigid QC set-up for 1/2" tools. Either the toolholders must have a seating that is too thin and weak, or they have to overhang the topslide.
 

[Chipswitheverything]

The Myford lathe and its cabinet look very nice, lots of potential enjoyment there.  Just to agree with what Charles has said, about using the OE tool clamp and shims to exploit the larger tool shanks when that size seems useful.
 But generally the capacity of the Myford is served very well by using smaller sections of ground HSS tool stock, I probably mostly use 5/16" for most purposes, in four way toolposts.  The 12 mm clamped down directly could be quite a help when needing to employ a tool with more overhang than one would normally want, perhaps for crankpin turning or to clear packing on a faceplate set up.  Dave

[malleusmagnus]

Anyone have thoughts, pro or con, on multifix type toolposts for a Super7?

[Jo]

Anyone have thoughts, pro or con, on multifix type toolposts for a Super7?

I have Swiss Multifix on three of my lathes - Love them. The only con is the price.

Jo

[Charles Lamont]

I tried a 4-way toolpost on my Myford but could not get on with it. Tool bits still need packing and you can rarely keep many tools in it for any length of time. On the other hand, it does have an indexing capablity which most QC toolposts lack. I designed and made my own indexing quick-change toolpost. Very old write-up here: http://www.charleslamont.me.uk/iqc_toolpost.htm 

[malleusmagnus]

That's a very clever solution!

[Chipswitheverything]

I've stuck with four-way Toolholders, but I use five or six of them, a couple of Myford made ones and the others homemade. As I did this quite early on in my model engineering , when QC units were rather less common, and expensive, I haven't wanted to ditch them to make the change.
I did make an indexing four-way, but found that I missed being able to make easy small angle adjustments to the tool presentation, so I haven't set up with that feature, though it could be important for some users. If small boring tools and holders for them are included in the tool mix, then only three tools can be accommodated in a four way, but it doesn't matter much with a quantity of tool blocks.  A downside can be the hazard of jabbing yourself on the tools not in play, but I've got used to watching out! For things like form tools and oddities, I just use the Myford basic tool clamp. Also sometimes use a home made, Martin Cleeve designed swing clear boring tool holder at the back of the cross slide.  Pics show a dinky version made for the small Cowell lathe, on which it saves a lot of winding the carriage back and forth.  Dave

[uuu]

I remember Anthony Mount described triangular, rather than square toolholders that he used.  Three-way, if you like.  He had a slot on one side, running to the centre pillar, so you could just loosen the central clamp, and slide one holder out and another in.

Wilf