Thread: What's your opinion on this QCTP?

That is a Dickson type, I believe of UK origin..


In the US, they have the Aloris type, which is a wedge type... And a Dorian type which uses a piston

Possibly the best, but also the most expensive is the swiss Multifix type..

All these types have been cloned over the years by makers in a lot of countries...

If it was me, I would by an AXA Aloris clone from the US...

But this info gives you some names to google for more info...

This is the link to the new Multifix - Chinese yes, but apparently the quality is good. There are a few links to users with them on here.

http://www.createtool.com/list.asp?cid=33

I believe you'll need the E size.

Im thinking of one for my Hercus 260 Long Bed.

R
Jon

Have a look here, Piston type

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Quick-Cha...item58af56f9fa

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Quick-Cha...item5afecef633

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Quick-Cha...item58af3afeab

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Quick-Cha...item51bc6862e8

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Quick-Cha...item51bcf7f2f3

Had the same questions myself. Went with a Phase II BXA wedge type. Basically an Aloris copy. Never looked back. Works brilliantly.

I just bought an A sized multifix clone from create tools. Have a look in the last pages of the favorite tool supplier thread. An a size would be all you would want I would think.
Otherwise an axa aloris type from cdco or ctc or eBay would be the cheapest.

The biggest thing you need to consider is the measurement from the compound to the centre.

Ew

Hi

I bought the wedge type Aloris copy from CTC , the smallest version he has , AXA ? Anyway , it has been excellent . Wish I had bought one earlier, because I have no more stuffing around and wasting time with removing the tool and doing all the centering etc. each time . The lathe is so much more convenient to use with the QCTP setup.

I prefer Dickson type because the lock for the rotating movement is done by a permanent installed lever. The AXA type needs a spanner to be used, not so convenient.
Also, the lever on the AXA which locks the height adjustment changes its position when the body of the toolpost is rotated. You can end up with the handle in the way, needing to be unscrewed.
Just little gripes for otherwise good design, either piston or wedge.

Jordan

Another thing to consider is the easy of getting or making replacement holders. I like the aloris style QCTP because making holders is very easy. Dickson is a bit more complex and multifix is probably the worst of them all. For an occasional user you are unlikely to make them so I'd suggest the Aloris style as extras are readily available.

Michael

Originally Posted by Michael G

Another thing to consider is the easy of getting or making replacement holders. I like the aloris style QCTP because making holders is very easy.
Michael

Umm yep.. first thing I did when my BXA arrived. 7 was the max I could fit on my table with a single length between two vises.

diy_BXA.JPG

I bought the multifix awhile ago but just installed on the hercus 260 last weekend. Feels very solid

Thanks for the replies so far. From the responses are you suggesting i give the H and F one a miss? By the way is that one a piston type? You've given me a few choices, are any one of them better suited to a 9 x 20?

At this stage, I'd say that it all depends on you. There is nothing wrong with the piston type of QCTP but consensus/ crowd wisdom is that the wedge type are more repeatable. But we are starting to get to pretty small numbers so it probably doesn't matter if you are an occasional lathe user not chasing micron fits.
You also need to think of your lathe. Is there any point on spending $1,000's on a QCTP if it is going on a worn out or cheap as lathe (I don't know what yours is like in particular).
Lastly, it is a matter of what you do and how you use your lathe. I've gotten into some good "discussions" on other forums putting forward the view that with a QCTP you grind the tool to the angle rather than angle the toolpost to suit the tool (that is, no need to index as per multifix) Others will tell you that it is essential, especially if you only have a few tool holders (how many tool holders is enough? Some can get by with 5 or 6, some have around a dozen, some maintain you want 30 or 40 or more of them)
All of the options mentioned will give a result and probably all of the results will work for you. It will come down to what suits and what appeals to you. I personally lean to the Aloris for a number of reasons, one being the ability to easily make tool holders but there are others here who if they had my lathe would remove it and put on something else.

Michael

Originally Posted by jackaroo

I bought the multifix awhile ago but just installed on the hercus 260 last weekend. Feels very solid

Thanks for these pictures. What size is your Multifix? Do you consider it too big / bulky for the 260's saddle / lathe or jut about right?



Thx
Jon

Originally Posted by nadroj

... The AXA type needs a spanner to be used, not so convenient. ...

Jordan

Jordan,
The BXA wedge style have a couple of issues for me, neither are show-stoppers, just need to be considered.

My M250 lacks centre height clearance to the topslide and all holder set points are very low down.

Also the topslide is fitted with a M12 thread for the stud, but the BXA comes with a M16 stud that was machined down to fit the existing M12.
Every time I need to rotate the QCTP, I worry that the M12 will loosen, rather than the M16 nut.

The BXA seems to have a large body for the holder size, and I sometimes suffer inadequate clearance to a rotating centre.

The topslide is provided with an indexing hole for the vertical locating pin used in the Dickson style holder.
There is always a risk of swarf pick-up when the holder is rotated.

I am beginning to think that a multifix might be a better solution as the post very rarely ever needs to be loosened and the holders have good hang-out from the body.

John