40 positions is good in the brochure but I'm unconvinced as to any major real world advantages. The two obvious big advantages exploiting the fine angle adjustment are:-
1) minimise grinding waste when using forged tools by setting the shank at a suitable angle
2) setting the correct approach angles when working with the top-slide set at an angle e.g. putting on fine cuts, thread cutting by running down the flank, chamfering and so on.
I don't really buy the "change the angle of approach of a tool for different jobs" idea. I've had South-Bends for over 25 years and have historically favoured the use of multiple 4 way tool-post assemblies (usually with only two tools mounted to reduce stab risks) which can be rapidly interchanged by loosening the clamp handle and sliding the whole lot out of the top slide complete with key. Obviously I can, and have, set the tool at any suitable angle. However, all to often, trying to present a tool at an angle usefully different to that it was ground for results in the side acting as a distinctly sub optimal form tool after a cut or two. Similarly trying to exploit the angle changes possible with a lantern post frequently ends up with sub-optimal cutting (having to change all the angles simultaneously doesn't help here) after a fair bit of futzing about to get things on centre. In the lantern case its probably quicker to grind a new tool! Clearly mounting versatility provides useful get out of jail capabilities but how often do you end up really stuck for access and how much do you want to pay for the jailbreak pass.
If I can be excused a lateral thinking digression.
If all goes to plan come Monday a Smart & Brown 1024 will be replacing my Heavy 10 and I shall have to re-think my smaller lathe tool post options as the S&B top-slide has no tee slot. It does come with a Dickson T2 compatible block and a couple or three tool-holders. My scrap yard rescue P&W B also came with a T2 block and several tool-holders along with over a cubic foot of forged tools. The logical thing would be to share holders and tools as I've now accumulated about 16 holders, sufficient for the basic ready to go set comprising:-
knife and roughing tools in left and right hands at compromise (ferrous) angles.
finishing tools in right and left hand for ferrous, alloy and brass.
threading tools in 55 and 60 degree angles
parting tool, compromise angle boring tools in larger and smaller sizes
with a spare or two. Realistically I'd have to accept loading boring tools according to the job in hand but all the rest are ready. My blocks have indexing pins so arranging positive location at the two or three angles I use will not be difficult. If I wanted lots of angles a vernier pin type sub base working on the same principle as a spin indexer could be arranged fairly easily.
That said, over the past few years I've come to the conclusion than the idea of having triplet of rapid interchange two slot blocks carrying the three styles of Armstrong tool holders, a parting tool along with two boring tools and simply swopping tool bits as required looks very attractive. Plain tool-bits are much easier to fixture for grinding at specific angles than forged tools and its no big deal to incorporate vernier style angle setting into the base. Maybe its time to decide what sort of 1/3 rd turn to lock holding mechanism I shall use, put my money where my mouth is, and find out how much adjustment theory needs to become satisfactory practice.
Clive
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Maybe you have noticed that we have 2 different types(see picture below), wedge and piston, and 5 different styles of quick change tool set, which are 0XA, AXA, BXA, CXA and CA. Usually, wedge type tool post is believed that it holds the tool holders tighter than the piston type tool post. However, the piston type tool post is somewhat cheaper than the wedge type tool post. We would recommend piston type tool posts to those who operate less heavy duty machining work to save money.
The 5 different styles are related to the very important parameter mentioned above, lathe swing. For example, the lathe swing value you have measured is between 6”-12”, then the AXA style quick change tool set will be good for use. To be more specific, if the measure of your lathe swing is 11”, then both AXA style and BXA style QCT set would be appropriate for your lathe. However, in this case, to fully take advantage of your very lathe, we highly recommend the BXA style QCT set instead of AXA style. The larger your tool post is, the more options you have in your machining work. For example, the maximum shank size for usual AXA style tool holders is 0.5 inch and is 0.625 inch for BXA style. If we include the XL turning and facing holder, the maximum shank size for AXA and BXA can reach 0.625 inch and 0.75 inch respectively. A larger shank size generally brings higher efficiency to the machining work and is also more durable than a smaller tool. So, when your lathe is ready for two different sizes QCT set, just choose the larger one.
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A standard set of quick change tool set includes 6 pieces in total. The biggest one in a set is the quick change tool post, which is designed to replace the original 4-way tool post on your lathe. All other holders in this set will eventually be installed on the tool post.
The rest of the tool holders are:
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