Studs for QCTP Holders

[Hugh GilhespieParticipant @hughgilhespie56163]

Hi All,

 

I have been luck enough to acquire a goodly number of S2 size Dickson tool post holders for my Colchester Student. They were very reasonably priced but a fair number are missing the square head studs, adjusting thimbles and the thimble posts. As far as I can tell, there are two different thread sizes used, M10 and what I think is 3/8th BSW. I have about equal numbers of each type.

 

Does anyone know where I can buy suitable hardened studs and thimbles? I know I could make my own but I would rather spend the time on more interesting projects., particularly as I need about 50 studs in total.

 

Thanks, Hugh

[Hugh GilhespieParticipant @hughgilhespie56163]

[KWILParticipant @kwil]

Hugh,

 

I have been searching for some M8 square headed for my M300 QC holders.

 

If you find a source I would dearly like to know, so far I have drawn a blank.!

Regards

 

K

Edited By KWIL on 04/03/2011 15:44:13

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

J&L used to list them as spares but I don’t think they are in the current catalogue, same with Rotagrip.

 

I think they were so expensive that most people change them to socket head screws.

 

J

[David Clark 13Participant @davidclark13]

Hi Hugh

Long grub screws might do for hardened studs.

Try Ebay.

I would change all the screws to hex socket Allen keys to be consistent.

regards David

 

[DustyParticipant @dusty]

When changing to socket head cap screws remove the first two or three threads down to core diameter. This will ensure you can remove the screws at any future time.

[SpurryParticipant @spurry]

Or just buy dog-point SHC screws – they have an unthreaded parallel portion already. I got stainless ones off Ebay. Search for m8x20 dog

 

Pete

added search criteria

Edited By Spurry on 05/03/2011 13:56:26

[Hugh GilhespieParticipant @hughgilhespie56163]

Just an update for information. I have found a supplier who stocks the square head toolpost screws. Thet are Engineering Services (Fastners) Ltd. They have a website and their phone no is 01535 665414. They don’t have a huge stock and the studs are – hmmm- lets say not exactly bargain basement. £2.50 each for 3/8 BSW and £1.06 each for M10. Still, for me I would rather buy these and use my valued workshop time a bit more productively.

 

However, the toolpost thimbles, AKA cottonreels, are another story. I spoke to Rotagrip – who are very nice people to deal with – and they can get them but they are £37.00 each. As I need a total of 10, I will definitely be turning these myself! The real horror story was that the studs that the thimbles mount on are £ 19.00 EACH!!! I can only guess that they usually sell them to the military, who else would pay that much for an inch and a half of threaded stud?

[Clive FosterParticipant @clivefoster55965]

What material would be suitable for making new studs and screws for Dickson tool-holders? I shall shortly have about 5 ft of EN19T or EN16T surplus from a job and figured that might do as overall its properties aren’t too dissimilar to High Tensile bolt material.

 

At the above prices its nearly economic to get a set of chasers for my coventry die head for the quantity I need!

 

Clive

[Hugh GilhespieParticipant @hughgilhespie56163]

Hi Clive, I can’t advise on suitability or not of EN19T and EN16T but my plan for the cottonreel studs is to use decent high tensile bolts (12.8) of the right length, loctite them in place and then cut the heads off with an abrasive disc. If the ends are a bit manky, I will mount the tool holder in the 4 jaw and face off and chamfer the stud ends with a carbide tool. The cotton reels I am going to turn from silver steel – just because I have some of the right diameter in my round bits bin.

 

Regards, Hugh

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