Re: QCTP tool blocks

"Snag"  wrote in message news:vd3jbr$663d$1@dont-email.me...
On 9/26/2024 6:25 AM, Jim Wilkins wrote:
...
   Sounds like you've already got tools to do what the watchmakers lathe
will do ...
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Maybe, I don't know if one will do something I need better than what I have; the plain bearing, leather belt drive 10" doesn't spin very fast and the AA has a bent and imperfectly straightened spindle, their common ailment. A comparison of watch and mini lathes said the watch lathe's main advantage was being finger safe for close-up work, but so are 5C collets. The Multifix tool post lets hand-ground HSS bits in Armstrong holders enter a tight recess at a variable angle about as well as a lantern post so I don't think a graver would have any advantage there.
I just dug out my spare 5C collets to inventory them and found a pot collet bored 2", exactly what I need to complete the steel bandsaw blade guide rollers for the sawmill. Aluminum rollers are showing wear.
The Sherline was suggested as an alternative to a watch lathe. I had one in my lab at Mitre and wasn't impressed with its feel or capacity, even for small electronics work. To me the Prazi clone was a reasonable minimum for what I was doing. Despite its 1920's design the ergonomics of my South Bend has spoiled me for other machines I've tried, like a Smithy Granite.