Qctp

[jack620]

I have about $500 to splurge on some tooling and I'd like to replace the 4 way toolpost on my Hercus with a QCTP. The plan is to buy a genuine Aloris AXA toolpost (about $300 landed) and Chinese tool holders. I just can't afford to spend $70+ per tool holder for genuine Aloris. I've heard the Chinese ones are OK if you replace the cap screws.

I've had a look at the CDCO website and on eBay for AXA tool-holders that will accept my existing HSS tool holders, but I didn't glean much.
CDCO give dimensions A, B, C, D, etc for their AXA tool-holders, but cunningly don't define which dimension the A, B, C.. refers to. :?

My collection of turning and boring tools is shown below. Can I get AXA tool-holders to hold these old things, or do I need to buy AXA tool-holders that just hold the HSS tool?

Chris

[Ueee]

Hi Chris,
The best place to find info on the toolholders in the Aloris website. The chinese ones are after all just copies. I think AXA is limited to 12mm high shanks, not sure on the other dimensions. It was this reason that i went for a BXA, as i had mostly 16mm tooling, even though it is a little big and the holders are right at the bottom of the post.
There is a section somewhere on the Aloris site for checking which post to go for. I'll try and dig up a link.\

Here you go, bottom of page 3 http://www.aloris.com/catalog/aloris_p2-3.pdf

And dimensions are here http://www.aloris.com/catalog/aloris_p4-5.pdf

[Toggy]

Chris,

I bought an AXA from CDCO. Scored a good one.

IIRC AXA holders will accept up to 1/2" tools. Fit your hss directly to it. The diamond toolholder should fit.

CTC in Hong Kong also have axa qctp now; but the cdco will most likely be cheaper. CDCO can be a bit hit & miss at times; but at $8 a toolholder they can't be beat. He can fit about 14 into a flat rate box.
These with new screws (if needed) would be the cheapest way out. The screws in the last lot were ok. Some of the holders were a tad tight on the dovetail.

Ken

[Dave J]

I am pretty sure the imports are based off the Aloris so there site might give you some indication of what tool height can fit in them, but hopefully someone here will post the max tool height.

Dave

[Ueee]

Just on what Ken said, i had the opposite luck, my BXA from CDCO needed some work to bring it up to a decent standard. Mainly a whole new central bush......

[jack620]

Good info thanks gents. I should have thought to go to the Aloris website. Looking at the catalog they make an oversize AXA holder with a 5/8" slot. That should accommodate most of my tools. Some might need a mm or two taken off on the linisher. I just need to confirm that the tool tip won't sit too high with the Armstrong style tool holder in the AXA holder. I'll take some measurements tomorrow.
Chris

[pipeclay]

If they are standard Lock holders they will be around 7/8" you would need to take off around 1/4",I think AMWH had some 16mm AXA holders ,you might be able to mill the tool holder section out of those to suit.

[jack620]

Thanks pipeclay. Most of mine measure 17+/- 0.5mm so they will all need some metal removed to make them fit into the AXA #1S oversize holder with the 5/8" slot. The diamond tool holder is the only holder that won't need reducing in height. I tested them with a file and they are very hard. Is it feasible to mill these things on my lathe milling attachment with a carbide end mill?

If not, I will have to look at the BXA QCTP.

[Ueee]

Hi Chris,
I machined my elcheapo solar brand and 1 lock holder down with a carbide insert cutter. They are only case hardened so once you get through that its easy. If you need to you can always grind through the hard layer first.
On machining the holders, my cdco ones are also case hardened but really deeply and really hard. The hm50 and a 4 tooth cutter struggled to even take a 1mm doc.

[jack620]

Thanks Ewan.

Can anyone with a genuine Aloris confirm that the tool holders will go all the way to the bottom of the toolpost? If so, the BXA becomes an option for me. From the link Ewan provided, the bottom of the slot in the BXA-1S holder is 7/16" above the base. So if the holder goes all the way down, the slot will be 7/16" above the topslide. The 4-way TP slot is 1/2" above the topslide. The BXA is 3" square, so it's slightly larger than the 2 1/2" 4-way TP. I guess I would lose 1/4" of clearance with the cross-slide wound fully out.

[jack620]

Actually, cancel that. I just had a look at my lathe and I reckon the BXA is a bit big for a Hercus 260. The AXA is the same size as the original 4-way (2 1/2"), so I'll go with the AXA.

I will attempt to mill my LOCK parting tool holder down to 5/8". If successful, I'll place an order for a QCTP and a selection of holders.

Chris

[Toggy]

Chris,
Instead of trying to mill the parting tool holder, why not fit a 1/2" square steel the the edge to hold it into the holder?

Ken

[jack620]

Hi Ken,
That's an option, but it's likely to be more work than grinding or milling them to fit. It would also render them unusable in a 4 way TP (assuming you weld the piece on).



Aloris will supply a custom machined T-Bolt free of charge to fit a slot in the top slide. Only problem is my top slide has a 1/2" threaded hole, not a slot. I'm just waiting to hear from the seller whether Aloris will make me a mounting bolt with a 1/2" threaded end in lieu of the T.

Chris

[pipeclay]

Apart from having the money to spend is there any reason why you dont go with the Chinese made post.
The 1/2"bsw studs are readily available in Australia.

[jack620]

I've heard mixed reviews about the quality of the Chinese QCTPs.

I'm aware Mal has the bolts for $20. I'll buy one from him if Aloris won't supply one.