Lathe Rear Mount Cutoff Holder

This is a rear mounted cutoff tool holder for my Emco-Maier Super 11 lathe. The lathe is a little on the light side for cutoff operations and they have always been a problem for me. Numerous articles have been written about the benefits of a rear mounted cutoff holder, so I decided to give one a try.
I made the post with enough mass to help absorb vibrations. It's a block of steel 4-5/8" x 2" x 1-1/2". There is a replacable insert that fits the headstock side of the holder and holds the cutoff blade. The insert is first machined to fit the holder block. Then the insert is machined in place in the holder to a close fit to the width of the cutoff blade and the cutting edge is maintained on center. Finally the insert is split lengthwise about .25" above the bottom of the blade. The insert and cutoff blade are held by set screws at the top of the toolholder. The cutoff blades I have are .630" wide and have a 5 degree bevel ground on the top and bottom edges. This bevel is matched in the insert to secure the cutoff blade. My cutoff blades also have a side clearance of about .020" top to bottom. The insert is machined so that the blade is held vertical and the side clearance is maintained.
I haven't had much chance to really put it to the test, but so far it performs well. Maybe this will encourage me to use the cutoff tool more often instead of pulling the piece out of the lathe, cutting it on the band saw, and then returning it to the lathe to machine to length.