Originally Posted by
packrat
You just use whatever thickness of blocking under the 1/4 tool bit, to bring the cutting edge to center of part. Wasn't going to answer due to getting flamed when I first joined here about tool posts.
For one off hobby stuff a lantern tool post and HSS tooling is hard to beat. Now making 100's of parts in a CNC is another thing. You will be able to make anything with out a QC tool post, that you can make with one. And most times do it faster. And use the QC money to buy other tooling for the lathe.
Have fun with the new toy.