Cross Slide T-slots Purpose???

[Warlock]

Probably a dumb question but on my Craftex CX708 it has two T shaped slots on the cross slide. The question is what are they used for and the tools that can be slide into them. At present they are great chip catchers and cleaning them is a pain particularly under the tool post. For the time being I just 3 D printed two T shaped guides to slide into them until I figure out their purpose.
Thanks in Advance

 

[Susquatch]

I wish my cross-slide had T-Slots.

I'd use them to mount alternative tool posts in different locations for specific purposes. A good example would be a plinth.

Lots of other uses too.

A can of wind is a great slot cleaner.

 

[Don Sipes]

I too wish my lathe had T-slots on the cross slides. Great place to mount work pieces for line boring or a tool post for a mega big boring bar.

 

[Warlock]

A good example would be a plinth.

I don't know and can't find what is plinth and what is it used for?

 

[Don Sipes]

I don't know and can't find what is plinth and what is it used for?

Ahhh! me too. If in doubt plinth on it?

 

[djberta]

You can get or make covers for the slots. On my 9x20 I can easily use my ball turning attachment, with those t slots. On my sm9inch I can not. I have an idea to make it work but have not it yet. .

 

[jcdammeyer]

Probably a dumb question but on my Craftex CX708 it has two T shaped slots on the cross slide. The question is what are they used for and the tools that can be slide into them. At present they are great chip catchers and cleaning them is a pain particularly under the tool post. For the time being I just 3 D printed two T shaped guides to slide into them until I figure out their purpose.
Thanks in Advance

They are often used to hold a tool post with a parting tool that is installed upside down. Instead of digging in that approach pushes the tool away compared to down and into the piece when it's on the front.

 

[Warlock]

You can get or make covers for the slots.

I 3 D printed two T shaped inserts to slide into those slots so they were level with the top of the cross slide. Cost all of about 5 cents to make.

 

[Susquatch]

I don't know and can't find what is plinth and what is it used for?

Ahhh! me too. If in doubt plinth on it?

You guys searched the web. You should have searched the forum!

Read this thread and you will know all you need to know about plinths. It also talks about T-Slots.

https://canadianhobbymetalworkers.com/threads/parting-is-such-sweet-sorrow.10893/

Quick answer: Architecturally, a plinth is a large solid rectangular foundation. A plinth on a lathe is the same. It is a large rigid tool holder sitting on top of the cross slide without a compound or tool post in between. Actually, some guys still use a tool post, but if max rigidity is the objective, a massive tool holder is best.

 

[Warlock]

@Susquatch I just read the whole article and it was the very last post, your post that it clicked in.

"Doesn't matter where you put it. As long as it's a large solid rectangular foundation, it's a plinth. But I'd see it going on your cross slide."