Quick change tool posts what to buy?

[28ten]

As part of the mini lathe refurbishment I am going to replace the QCTP that came with it. I'm not keen on the  A2Z cnc http://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=2461&category=-419988835 I just don;'t think Aluminum is the material for a toolpost
I am thinking of a phase 2 AXA http://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?view=classic&ProductID=2280 I can get this for £100 from Gloster tooling and the holders are £12 each
Does anybody have any other suggestions or ideas?

[jim]

i've got them allen key type ones ( ebay holder and 3 tool posts for around £35) run front and back tool posts, only problem is they can be a little bit fiddly at times

if price wasn't an issue i'd go for a proper piston type one............

[Darren]

I've got an A2Z had it for a couple of years now......can't fault it IMHO...alloy or not....

Dinky though...

[Darren]

Having said that I do like the AXA, but don't get it just cos you think the A2Z is too soft.

Holders at £12 each I'd make my own. Run a dovetail down a strip of steel, or alloy, and cut off as required.

[28ten]

Darren, I'm not faulting it's performance, I would just rather have something with a bit more mass when I'm using a form tool, the same applies to the one that comes with the lathe and it's a bit of a faff

[28ten]

Holders at £12 each I'd make my own. Run a dovetail down a strip of steel, or alloy, and cut off as required.

I haven't access to a mill at them moment 

[Darren]

28,

I meant nothing by my post, as nor did you I guess, just adding my bit...

What size is your lathe? The A2Z is dinky as I said.

[28ten]

28,

I meant nothing by my post, as nor did you I guess, just adding my bit...

What size is your lathe? The A2Z is dinky as I said.

No offence taken, or meant  I wouldn't cry in my beer if an A2Z landed in my lap 
it's a mini lathe, but now Bogs has worked his magic and I have sorted some better gibs, i'm turning my attention to the tool holder, i'm hoping that replacing it will be the final part in improving the accuracy.

[bogstandard]

I think your size lathe is classed as a C3.

Have a look down the page on here, or give them a call to verify the size required.

http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/Catalogue/Machines-Accessories/Lathe-Accessories

I think these are steel, rather than ali, which I think the A2Z is made of.

It is always better to have a selection to choose from.


Bogs

[28ten]

Bogs
That's what I have at the moment, it's ok but I find it a little hit and miss when changing tools, hence the query.
I have just spoken to SWMBO and we may have a trip to Gloucester tomorrow and I could go to Gloster tooling while she looks at shoes 

[NickG]

I wouldn't worry about the aluminium too much. Think 6000 series is pretty damn stiff. I don't think the mass of a tool post on a light lathe is going to make a lot of difference, it's the rigidity you need and the aluminium will provide that.

I know what you are saying, it just doesn't seem quite right, but certain alloys have a very high stiffness.

Nick

[28ten]

I went to Gloster tooling today and looked at the AXA toolpost it certainly looks up to the job, probably overkill. Anyway I did very well not to spend a lot of money while I was in there 

[Darren]

 

On the lathe if you please, I just want to see how big it is on a 7x12.....

You'll love it....

[28ten]

Darren
Nothing to show! I didn't buy anything I was just looking, I want to read up a little more on fitting to a mini lathe. I am hoping to get a look at an A2Z locally so I can do a better comparison. Sorry to get you excited over nothing 

[Darren]

Ooh, sorry, that's what I get for speed reading.....

I can take a pic of the A2Z on my 7x12 if it helps.......

PS, shouda got the AXA.......

[28ten]

Ooh, sorry, that's what I get for speed reading.....

I can take a pic of the A2Z on my 7x12 if it helps.......

PS, shouda got the AXA.......

A picture would be great 
I probably should have bought it, but it's not far to go to get one when I make my mind up.
My wife said 'why don't you make one when you get a mill'? which is probably a very good point  but I probably won't be able to afford that until the new year ..... decisions, decisions.....

[Darren]

Here you go, both are roughly the same size. Oh, I suppose the one I made is slightly larger, both holding the same tool and holder. The tool shank is 10mm square to help picture the size.

Neither performs better or worse than the other.

If I were to need another I would make one, no question about it cos they are fairly easy to make.

If you need any more pictures or info just ask....

[28ten]

Thanks Darren
I must admit I think I prefer your design with the twin levers, although i guess the A2Z could be retro fitted.
I was at the HMME running day this afternoon http://www.hsme.co.uk/ and one of the chaps has a mini lathe and he suggested I buy a couple of standard tool posts, shim up the tools I want and use them while wait to  get a mill, which actually makes good sense.
I need to think  One thing is for sure I feel very frustrated without access to a  mill 

[NickG]

You make it sound easy Darren - bet it's not when I try it though! 

I think I need to make this my next project!

Nick

[Darren]

It is easy Nick, this was one of my first "useful" projects.........
And I made it real hard by using the toughest bar of steel I could possibly find. Put it this way, even drilling it was impossible as I showed in another project I used the same bar stock for. But I managed to make a tool holder......


The hardest part is without doubt the dovetails, not making them, but getting the size right. Take too much material off in one pass and it's scrap...start again.

I guess you should really make the dovetail first before anything else just in case.

[NickG]

Good bit of advice there. When I come to do this after my engine I will do a search for everything QCTP on this forum as everything I need is on here now I think!

Nick