Turret Tool Holder vs Quick Change Tool Post
By Products for bench top machinists | LittleMachineShop.com | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: Comparisons
Compare the 2MT tailstock turret tool holder with a quick change tool post for mini lathes. Learn trade-offs, fit guidance, and which suits your work.
Quick Answer
If you mostly drill, center, and thread from the tailstock, the turret tool holder is a compact, budget-friendly choice. For frequent turning tool changes at the compound, a quick change tool post is faster and more versatile.
What Each Tool Does Best
A turret tool holder mounts in the tailstock and gives you three heads on a rotating turret: a drill chuck, a live center, and a die holder. It is designed for operations that happen at the tailstock end of the lathe, not for the main cutting tool on the compound.
A quick change tool post, on the other hand, sits on the compound and lets you swap tool holders in seconds. It is the standard choice for turning, facing, and parting because it keeps tool height repeatable and speeds up changes between operations.
Trade-Offs to Consider
The turret tool holder is compact and keeps your tailstock tools organized, but it is limited to the three heads it comes with. The drill chuck is rated for 1.5mm - 13mm (0.06" - 0.51"), so larger drills will not fit.
A quick change tool post usually costs more and requires buying separate holders for each tool. But it gives you more flexibility for a wider range of turning tools and tool heights.
How to Choose
- Tailstock turret tool holder: Choose this if you want a compact, all-in-one solution for drilling, center drilling, and threading from the tailstock. It is a good fit for small bench lathes where space is tight. Check that your drill sizes fall within the chuck's 1.5mm - 13mm range.
- Quick change tool post: Choose this if you frequently switch between turning, facing, and parting tools. It offers faster tool changes and better repeatability for production work. Budget for additional tool holders to get the full benefit.
- Both: Many machinists use a turret tool holder for tailstock work and a quick change tool post for the compound. This combination covers the most operations without compromise. Consider your most common jobs first, then add the other as needed.
Product Facts
- Turret Tool Holder, 2MT Tailstock, 3 Heads: This tailstock turret tool holder comes equipped with three heads: 1 drill chuck, 1 live center, and 1 die holder. The drill chuck is rated for 1.5mm - 13mm (0.06" - 0.51"). You get three common tailstock tools in one unit, but the drill chuck size limits you to smaller drills.
Turret Tool Holder, 2MT Tailstock, 3 Heads
Which Is Right for You?
Best for
- Hobbyists who do occasional drilling and threading from the tailstock
- Users with limited bench space who want a compact, all-in-one tailstock tool
Not for
- Machinists who need fast tool changes at the compound for turning operations
