Thread: Aloris AXA QCTP or Chinese copy for Hercus 260?

For a Hercus 260 a plain chinese AXA is adequate... I would not bother making holders....

I had one on my 260 and it was very good...

A small problem on some Asian cheapy AXA tool holders I bought:
The radii on the dovetail inner angles was larger than usual.
That meant that when I tried to fit them to a toolpost from another maker, they wouldn't fit.
Fixable, but annoying.

Jordan

My first QCTP was an Aloris style holder from Shah's. I discovered that although it had metric threads the hex sockets were imperial as they were aimed at the US market. Most people seem to change the grub screws pretty quickly as they are not good quality. I bought a second hand Aloris for this lathe and like it - feels a little bit firmer than the knock off. I'd seriously question buying new though because of the price. Another nice thing about the genuine article is that spare parts are available ex US.

Michael

Originally Posted by ventureoverland

...................
Generally I like to buy right and buy once and normally don't mind paying extra if Im getting something better.
Advice please.......................
Thanks
Jon

Jon,

Your first choice is really between the different QCTP systems. Currently most popular for a lathe like a Hercus 260 ar the Swiss Multifix aa size, the American Aloris AXA size, and the British Dickson. This is a matter of personal preference and cultural background (or how you have once learned using a toolpost), and of course price. The Multifix is the dearest, followed by Dickson and Aloris. Each system will work well on the Hercus.

Once you know which system you like best, you got to choose between the real thing, or a western made quality clone, or a Chinese made clone.
- Multifix itself is no more, but there are 2nd hand units around, and there are many companies in Europe making some really well executed clones. The original and European Multifix clones can be combined with the much cheaper Chinese toolholders. Chinese made made Multifix toolpost clones are also known as "20 position toolposts" and are a lot cheaper, but of course not nearly finished as nicely. The components of the real thing look like parts of a quality assault rifle, the Chinese clone components look more like tractor spare parts.
- Aloris makes piston and wedge type toolposts. On a low power Hercus 260 bot will work equally well. If money does not matter, go for the wedge type. There are other American very well made clones of the Aloris, Dorian and DTM, at about the same price. The consensus here is the same as with Multifix: if you can afford it, buy a well made brand name toolpost, and add as many cheap Chinese toolholders as you like. If money is tighter, you can buy complete China made sets of toolpost and 5 holders for real cheap now, and swap the toolpost at a later time if not happy with its somewhat sloppy action.
- as above, you can get genuine Dickson toolposts or European clones or Chinese clones.

You will find, that in Australia the American AXA type toolposts have the largest market share, and the Multifix is really only taking off since there are low cost Chinese clones on eBay. The Dickson was once popular with Myford lathes.

Jon,

Have a look here if you haven't done so, Chris' exhaustive overview - https://www.woodworkforums.com/showth...11#post1695011

Bob.