man with drill
A tool post is the part of a lathe that securely holds the cutting tool during machining operations. The column is then bolted to the composite mount using a conventional Allen or hex head screw or quick release locking mechanism. There are many different designs of this device to suit various drilling, cutting and machining operations. A tool station can accommodate a single cutting tool or have locking capabilities for several different tools. Most are static, although twist sticks are available for cutting spherical shapes.
The tool column on a lathe is the part of the machine that holds the tip of the tool during cutting. It typically consists of a tool steel base or column with one or more slots or holes to accommodate the shanks of the tool nose. These tool slots are designed to accept a specific shank profile and can be square, dovetail, or round. The bit is held securely in place in the chuck slot by two or more locking screws.
In the case of slots intended for square shank bits, the tool slots are usually cut into the side faces of the tool holder. These slots typically have a dovetail profile to ensure a secure fit. Holes intended for round rod tips are usually drilled into the body of the pin. Locking screws for square shank tools go through the top edge of the slot. Those of the round rods are passed through the top or side of the body of the post.
Some tool post designs feature multiple dovetail bosses that accept similarly slotted removable tool clamps. The use of multiple tool clamps allows a wide range of drill bits to be used without having to remove the pin. Drill Clamps are held securely on the dovetail of the column by means of a screw or wedge. The clamps feature suitable bit slots and locking screws to secure the bit.
Tool posts are typically bolted to the lathe’s composite mount with a conventional vise or quick-release mechanism. Generally, the column is held static while the composite support, cross slide, and saddle allow axial, perpendicular, or diagonal movement of the tool. The drill can also be moved forward or backward in the column to allow for fine adjustment. Rotary tool posts used to cut spherical shapes pivot on a center pin and move the tool tip in an arc to cut a round profile. Those that accommodate multiple tool bits generally only require loosening and turning to present a different tool tip during machining.