G. H. Thomas - Retracting Toolholder.pdf

This tool holder readily clamps onto a 4 tool turret or a Q.C. tool holder. Although proportioned to suit a 3 1/2" lathe, it performs perfectly well in much larger equipment.

The principal use is for external screw cutting. At the end of each cut, the little ball handle is flicked backwards, whereupon the tool retracts clear of the thread. It is unnecessary to wind back the feed handle of either the cross or top-slides, thus the exact position of the tool is never lost or forgotten. The feed screw of either the cross or top-slides is only turned forwards. At the start of the next cut the little ball handle is pushed forwards and the tool is positively returned to its former position. The 1/8" of retraction provided is sufficient for threads up to 1 1/2" BSW or M52 - so, no restraints for the small workshop!