I have been a Machinist for 44+ years never knew or cared to know about the difference in the tool holders but often wondered what they were with the different letter designation now I know great video very informative on selecting the correct one for your application
I am a complete novice when it comes to lathes and milling machines, but I am a great lover of machine tools. I have very nice Atlas lathes, a 618 and a 12x36, both with rocker/lantern style tool holders. I want a QCTP, but I was unsure as to the considerations I should resolve. This presentation has significantly increased my knowledge of QCTP. Thank you sir.
Thanks Richard. I'm shopping for a tool post. I figured BXA was the size I needed. Nice to have a visual confirmation. I have a Standard-Modern Series 2000 11-20. I think it's the next generation newer, 11" version of your machine. Cheers!
Many years ago I bought a Dorian BXA for my Southbend 10L Heavy. It worked just fine. I bought the Dorian because I was familiar with them and liked the design. Their tool holders were also the first, as far as I could tell, to have a 3/4” height for the tool. They were using a higher quality alloy for the holders so were able to cut the bottom thinner. That made it easier to get to center height with a 5/8” tool. When I bought my current Southbend FOURTEEN, I moved it there. With that, I was able to use 3/4” tooling. A friend has a 15” LeBlond. He decided to get a CXA. I don’t see any real advantage for most people. The only one I know of is that he can buy the abundant used tooling in 1” size on eBay. The manufacturers are pretty accurate about the sizing for their tool posts. Aloris and Dorian give slightly different ranges, but it doesn’t matter. A definitely agree about buying a wedge post rather than a piston post. If you’re going to make heavy cuts, if your lathe allows it, or drill a big hole, the piston post can allow the holder to twist a bit, while the wedge holds it solidly along the entire length of the dovetails.
Piece parting a lathe back together to be Atlas 12"x54" regular ole machine. Having the slide compound from a 10" lathe, the BXA is perfect. That extra inch makes it all work.
This was a very interesting video , I have never seen the comparison laid out as well as you did. I purchased an AXA wedge style last year and I am well pleased whit it for what I do. Thanks for taking the time to lay it out this well I am sure it will help many others that are in the market to buy one.
Thank you so much for this video. It saved me so much time with research. I worked as a machinist years ago for a short time but all the tooling was already there so I never learned what any of it was called or what meant what. I just purchased a 10” Atlas Lathe and I know it will work for most things I want to do but probably only well enough that it will make me want a better one like yours.
The correct size tool post is determined by and should be as close as possible to the compound width so you can utilize the full cutting capacity of your lathe.
At work I have put some 3/8"-1/2" "shims" under the tools where needed. We have a Parrot QC. If REALLY odd tool I've sometimes mounted it upside down and "reversed" the lathe, a Harrison Alpha 460. The lathe is quite ok, but the cam-part (AlphaCam) is crap! And almost no other cam speaks "Harrisonian" 🤨🤬.
Something not dwelt upon in detail was the ability to choose larger indexable insert tool holders with the larger throat size of the BXA size holders. The same issue of tool height and range of adjustment exist but with your Stand. Mod. compound rest height to center line, you've got the ability to use full 1/2" or even 5/8" HSP steel cutting tools or shank size indexable carbide insert holders for most procedures. This is valuable when using boring bars/holders for the rigidity offered by the extra diameter. I have personally found the only issue with the BXA came with trying to use insert style parting tool holders and trying to get the holders low enough to pick up center line of project. I have had to revert to using smaller parting tool holders if desiring to use my insert styles than I would have chosen otherwise just to get the tool down low enough. This is not a problem if using the dedicated parting tool holder that comes with the BXA kit other than you're now reduced back to using high speed steel parting tools.
I just bought a 13x40 turnmaster and the company that he bought it from threw in a Aloris CA-1 and I just found out that tool holder costs 2 grand new. It’s worth as much as or more that I paid for the lathe.
Great stroke of lucj for you, and kindness on the part of the seller. It seems to me that Aloris is the standard by wich all others are judged. Cheers.
I watched to learn and you seemed to address using high speed steel and not carbide holders which can have larger shanks to hold. I have seen a lot of video that it takes modification on a lot of the smaller lathes for mounting bolts size.
Yea, that's fairly common. A Grizzly G0602 (10x22") and the next size up should according to these charts be OK with a BXA, but with an AXA you don't have enough height to run a 1/2" tool without modifying something (I've been cutting the bottoms off my tool holders but that's a PITA since they're mostly hardened).
How you show the adjustability with the ruler in the background is great! Are you able to show the same with the parting tool holder? Because the parting tool is held at a 4° angle, I'm trying to determine if the holder will drop low enough (and still be able to have a useable amount of tool sticking out) before I purchase a quick change tool post.
I have a 16mm parting tool. The part that holds the blade is located near the bottom on an angle like you mentioned. I still have 12 mm available to move it up. Cheers
Where are you located, and where did you find a used Standard-Modern lathe:? That's an old one; I used to work for them as a draftsman. Those things will last forever if you service and maintain them.
It was a Kijiji deal 15 years back. It was originally used in a vocational school. It is a great lathe. I am on the east coast, in Nova Scotia. Cheerrs
@@ChannelofRichPierik I'm currently in Michigan, but I lived in Clarckson, ON when I worked there. They were on Montcalm Ave. in Toronto. They've since moved to Mississauga, ON.west of Toronto
I have a KC-1620CLM, that says the swing is 16". Height from top of compound to center of 2.3". I find it hard to believe that if I use the manufacturer's info, I need a CXA. Seems way too big for my little Chinese unit. Anyone else have one??
I bought a KC- 16x20 also , l would love to know what size quick release tool holder you bought ( if you did ) cause I'd like too purchase a quick release tool post for my lathe . What size do I need too buy, tks
@@Johnson0781 @David-qd3ff I have the same lathe but with a different name. I am looking at a BXA tool post for it. What size tool post did you guys go with?
@@MegaEverythingElse Haven't Bought any yet , useing it the way it came in Crate , Sure will down the line. U are saying BXA . isn't the a bit small , Ithink CXA should work Good , TKS for Replying.
@@Johnson0781 Yea, so this lathe has a very big swing over the bed for its size, just because of the milling function. everything else on the lathe is tiny compared to what a 16" swing lathe has. The compound on this lathe is pretty small and so is the cross slide. Normally 16" swing lathes are 4 feet + long with massive parts that can use the CXA post, which this lathe certainly cannot. This lathe is sized much closer to a 9" swing lathe. I am actually debating between an ANA or BXA for mine, still trying to figure out which is best. I may measure width of my current turret style post and compare it to the quick change types.
I have a Grizzly G0709 13X40 & a Grizzly G4003 12X36. I use a BXA on both. they give me lots of flexibility and are very affordable. I purchased the wedge style on EBAY the brand was Bostar but I believe that it will ship from CDCO. CDCO.com is the best place for holders. If anyone is interested I will have a piston type tool holder for sale soon for $80.00 debrular88@gmail.com 304-488-3315 John DeBrular
Can I ask you about your 4 jaw chuck. I have one that I think is the same with the jaw scroll drive being a 1/4" hex allen key. I bought mine second hand hand and the allen bolts have been rounded to the point where i can't tighten the jaws down very well. Have you had the same experience? If so do you think there might be a solution rather than throwing it away?
Hi. Mine are not in the best shape either. I ended buying a new chuck key that had crisp corners and I use it with attention. I recently made one for the 3 jaw on the milling machine because of the same concern. Crisp corners may buy you another few years. Otherwise I do not know of a source for new . Mine are square as opposed to hex... Cheers.
Hey. There is a large t slot in the top of the compound. The set came with an oversized t shaped metal block that you can mill to fit. It has been drilled and threaded to fit the rod that goes through the center of the tool post... Cheers.
Make sure the gibs on the cross slide and compound are tightened properly, and work on backlash. Minimize the length of the tool sticking out of the holder. Speed, feed, tool condition and proper relief. And experiment with the position of the tool post on the compound.
No they WILL NOT FIT EACH OTHER. But if you have an AXA and wish to use some larger tooling, don't be afraid to open up an AXA tool holder to fit larger B sized tools. Just get out the carbide. The Chinese tool holders aren't that hard to cut to size. ;-)
Interesting. You said that one of the reasons was accuracy.....so how accurate is this tool post? I mean when you put a tool holder on the thing, lock it down and turn a diameter.....then take it off..then put it back on....is the tool back in the same place or is there a shift...how repeatable is this thing? While its nice to "quick change" a tool.....its even nicer if its where its supposed to be! I already have a piston type chinese tool post. Its not bad but not very accurate positionally when switching tools. I am planning to buy replacement posts and so I am genuinely interested in your opinion. Many thanks.
Hi Wayne, The wedge style is the only type I have owned and my choice was based on the expressed opinions of others. Here is a video where a guy does a comparison. ua-cam.com/video/Mt4qPD6YPuM/v-deo.html I will make a point of doing my own comparison at some point. But for now it is much too cold in my shop... :) Cheers
I should add that I do modify holders as necessary to take up to 3/4" tool and I have a couple parting blades that just barely get low enough to be on center ( I think I shaved the holder a bit on that one too).
Interesting video, may I ask I have a chinese mini lathe 7"x12" and ordered QCTP 250-000 but they sent me 250-100 does it defers hence I have to make a new stud with 10mm thread to hold on the compound rest.
Hi. From what I can see the 000 tool post holds the 001 tool holders.... example: Tool post:DMC 250-000-000 Tool holder: 250-001,250-002,250- 004, 250-005, 250-007, 250-010 Cheers
Thanks a lot for your information so from your experience shall I change it to the set 250-000 or to adapt the set 250-100 on 7"x12" mini lathe as the height is 2cm from compound to the center. @@ChannelofRichPierik
Yeah, while this IS a helpful video, it does confirm that I have a "special" lathe, and that I'll have a hard time finding a tool post to fit. My slide to centre height is 9mm, or 0.35".
Check out pewetools range of Toolposts,their smallest one is for 7-16mm centre height,it's called the Aaa Multifix toolpost,I have one and it's really small. It was designed by Peter Wendlandt in Germany,the founder of the company.I keep in regular contact with Him. His email address is: pewetools4usa@gmx.de He supplies many sizes of Toolposts,and has a large selection of various holders. Regards, Alan Melrose South Africa
With a 12 inch swing you should feel quite confident with the AXA size. Take the measurement as shown in the video, and then look at the spec table for the toolpost you wish to buy, and figure in the tool bit size, and you have your answer. Good luck. Cheers.
The scale used in the video is graduated in both imperial and metric. If the visual is not enough to help understand the concept, then there is a very simple conversion feature embedded in your google search engine. Cheers.
You took 7 minutes to show more than most guys who spend 20+ minutes just unboxing. Thanks!
Hey! Thanks!
A BIG INFORMATION DROP FOR ME HUGE THANK YOU.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I have been a Machinist for 44+ years never knew or cared to know about the difference in the tool holders but often wondered what they were with the different letter designation now I know great video very informative on selecting the correct one for your application
Thanks for the comment!
I am a complete novice when it comes to lathes and milling machines, but I am a great lover of machine tools. I have very nice Atlas lathes, a 618 and a 12x36, both with rocker/lantern style tool holders. I want a QCTP, but I was unsure as to the considerations I should resolve. This presentation has significantly increased my knowledge of QCTP. Thank you sir.
You are welcome, and thanks for commenting. Appreciated. Cheers!
Thanks Richard. I'm shopping for a tool post. I figured BXA was the size I needed. Nice to have a visual confirmation. I have a Standard-Modern Series 2000 11-20. I think it's the next generation newer, 11" version of your machine. Cheers!
Many years ago I bought a Dorian BXA for my Southbend 10L Heavy. It worked just fine. I bought the Dorian because I was familiar with them and liked the design. Their tool holders were also the first, as far as I could tell, to have a 3/4” height for the tool. They were using a higher quality alloy for the holders so were able to cut the bottom thinner. That made it easier to get to center height with a 5/8” tool. When I bought my current Southbend FOURTEEN, I moved it there. With that, I was able to use 3/4” tooling. A friend has a 15” LeBlond. He decided to get a CXA. I don’t see any real advantage for most people. The only one I know of is that he can buy the abundant used tooling in 1” size on eBay. The manufacturers are pretty accurate about the sizing for their tool posts. Aloris and Dorian give slightly different ranges, but it doesn’t matter. A definitely agree about buying a wedge post rather than a piston post. If you’re going to make heavy cuts, if your lathe allows it, or drill a big hole, the piston post can allow the holder to twist a bit, while the wedge holds it solidly along the entire length of the dovetails.
Thanks for the comments. Nice to see some practical feedback. Cheers.
Thank you for some very key info for those of us planning on buying a q.c. post in the future.
You are welcome. You will not regret it. :)
Piece parting a lathe back together to be Atlas 12"x54" regular ole machine. Having the slide compound from a 10" lathe, the BXA is perfect. That extra inch makes it all work.
This was a very interesting video , I have never seen the comparison laid out as well as you did. I purchased an AXA wedge style last year and I am well pleased whit it for what I do. Thanks for taking the time to lay it out this well I am sure it will help many others that are in the market to buy one.
Thank you Anthony. Cheers.
Thanks for your clear explanation, getting ready to add one and was not sure what size.
Glad it was helpful. Cheers.
Very helpful video Richard for those of us just venturing into the world of lathes. Many thanks
You are welcome. Thanks for your comment. Cheers!
Thank you so much for this video. It saved me so much time with research. I worked as a machinist years ago for a short time but all the tooling was already there so I never learned what any of it was called or what meant what. I just purchased a 10” Atlas Lathe and I know it will work for most things I want to do but probably only well enough that it will make me want a better one like yours.
I appreciate the feedback! Cheers.
Exactly what I needed to know. Thank you.
Just luvs those Standard Moderns...: ) Great vid....explaining all those XXXXXs ! ....: )
Great video. Great description. Thank you for sharing
My pleasure. Cheers.
The correct size tool post is determined by and should be as close as possible to the compound width so you can utilize the full cutting capacity of your lathe.
I use a BXA on my 12 for the same reason , limited otherwise .
At work I have put some 3/8"-1/2" "shims" under the tools where needed. We have a Parrot QC. If REALLY odd tool I've sometimes mounted it upside down and "reversed" the lathe, a Harrison Alpha 460. The lathe is quite ok, but the cam-part (AlphaCam) is crap! And almost no other cam speaks "Harrisonian" 🤨🤬.
Something not dwelt upon in detail was the ability to choose larger indexable insert tool holders with the larger throat size of the BXA size holders. The same issue of tool height and range of adjustment exist but with your Stand. Mod. compound rest height to center line, you've got the ability to use full 1/2" or even 5/8" HSP steel cutting tools or shank size indexable carbide insert holders for most procedures. This is valuable when using boring bars/holders for the rigidity offered by the extra diameter. I have personally found the only issue with the BXA came with trying to use insert style parting tool holders and trying to get the holders low enough to pick up center line of project. I have had to revert to using smaller parting tool holders if desiring to use my insert styles than I would have chosen otherwise just to get the tool down low enough. This is not a problem if using the dedicated parting tool holder that comes with the BXA kit other than you're now reduced back to using high speed steel parting tools.
Bruce Starkey Thanks for adding to the discussion. Appreciated! Cheers!
Thanks, very helpful.
Great video, thanks.
I just bought a 13x40 turnmaster and the company that he bought it from threw in a Aloris CA-1 and I just found out that tool holder costs 2 grand new. It’s worth as much as or more that I paid for the lathe.
Great stroke of lucj for you, and kindness on the part of the seller. It seems to me that Aloris is the standard by wich all others are judged. Cheers.
I watched to learn and you seemed to address using high speed steel and not carbide holders which can have larger shanks to hold. I have seen a lot of video that it takes modification on a lot of the smaller lathes for mounting bolts size.
Love the video, first one that I have found that really helps. Thank you.
Thanks Scott!
Be careful with Craftex CX701. Swing is supposedly 11 1/2". Centre Height is a tad under 7/8" so AXA will not even fit. I know I tried it!
Yea, that's fairly common. A Grizzly G0602 (10x22") and the next size up should according to these charts be OK with a BXA, but with an AXA you don't have enough height to run a 1/2" tool without modifying something (I've been cutting the bottoms off my tool holders but that's a PITA since they're mostly hardened).
Thanks for this. I bought one of the smaller ones and it’s too small. Totally idiot mistake.
The hold down bolt on the BXA that I have is metric- 16 x 1.50
What is the meaning of the item numbers... 250-201, 250-222, etc.?
Here is a reference chart.
accusizecatalog.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/P25.pdf
you have very nice lathe,
I am looking to get a tool post for my lathe that I just bought 15x42
Thanks Javier!
Thanks
How you show the adjustability with the ruler in the background is great!
Are you able to show the same with the parting tool holder? Because the parting tool is held at a 4° angle, I'm trying to determine if the holder will drop low enough (and still be able to have a useable amount of tool sticking out) before I purchase a quick change tool post.
I have a 16mm parting tool. The part that holds the blade is located near the bottom on an angle like you mentioned. I still have 12 mm available to move it up. Cheers
Great job. Very informative.
Thanks for the feedback. Cheers!
Thanks for the help.
My pleasure!
Where are you located, and where did you find a used Standard-Modern lathe:? That's an old one; I used to work for them as a draftsman. Those things will last forever if you service and maintain them.
It was a Kijiji deal 15 years back. It was originally used in a vocational school. It is a great lathe. I am on the east coast, in Nova Scotia. Cheerrs
@@ChannelofRichPierik I'm currently in Michigan, but I lived in Clarckson, ON when I worked there. They were on Montcalm Ave. in Toronto. They've since moved to Mississauga, ON.west of Toronto
I have a KC-1620CLM, that says the swing is 16". Height from top of compound to center of 2.3". I find it hard to believe that if I use the manufacturer's info, I need a CXA. Seems way too big for my little Chinese unit. Anyone else have one??
I bought a KC- 16x20 also , l would love to know what size quick release tool holder you bought ( if you did ) cause I'd like too purchase a quick release tool post for my lathe . What size do I need too buy, tks
@@Johnson0781 @David-qd3ff I have the same lathe but with a different name. I am looking at a BXA tool post for it. What size tool post did you guys go with?
@@MegaEverythingElse Haven't Bought any yet , useing it the way it came in Crate , Sure will down the line. U are saying BXA . isn't the a bit small , Ithink CXA should work Good , TKS for Replying.
@@Johnson0781 Yea, so this lathe has a very big swing over the bed for its size, just because of the milling function. everything else on the lathe is tiny compared to what a 16" swing lathe has. The compound on this lathe is pretty small and so is the cross slide. Normally 16" swing lathes are 4 feet + long with massive parts that can use the CXA post, which this lathe certainly cannot. This lathe is sized much closer to a 9" swing lathe. I am actually debating between an ANA or BXA for mine, still trying to figure out which is best. I may measure width of my current turret style post and compare it to the quick change types.
BXA
AXA on a Grizzly 13 X 40 , it works for me.
I have a Grizzly G0709 13X40 & a Grizzly G4003 12X36. I use a BXA on both. they give me lots of flexibility and are very affordable. I purchased the wedge style on EBAY the brand was Bostar but I believe that it will ship from CDCO. CDCO.com is the best place for holders. If anyone is interested I will have a piston type tool holder for sale soon for $80.00 debrular88@gmail.com 304-488-3315
John DeBrular
@@johndebrular979
CDCO.com does not work. Would like to see the site.
Can I ask you about your 4 jaw chuck. I have one that I think is the same with the jaw scroll drive being a 1/4" hex allen key. I bought mine second hand hand and the allen bolts have been rounded to the point where i can't tighten the jaws down very well. Have you had the same experience? If so do you think there might be a solution rather than throwing it away?
Hi. Mine are not in the best shape either. I ended buying a new chuck key that had crisp corners and I use it with attention. I recently made one for the 3 jaw on the milling machine because of the same concern. Crisp corners may buy you another few years. Otherwise I do not know of a source for new . Mine are square as opposed to hex... Cheers.
I have just gotten a grizzly 9”x20 , what size should I go ?
Thanks
I'm just guessing here but from what I gather the BXA. What size through hole does that lathe have?
@@totallyjonesin A BXA would be too large for a 9"x20. AXA would be more suitable for a 9" swing.
so did you need to modify your compound? drill bigger hole? drill recess underneath etc?
Hey. There is a large t slot in the top of the compound. The set came with an oversized t shaped metal block that you can mill to fit. It has been drilled and threaded to fit the rod that goes through the center of the tool post... Cheers.
Nice. I have an AXA set but was thinking of getting BXA will I get less chatter due to beefyness ? I have a 10" X 22" lathe.
Make sure the gibs on the cross slide and compound are tightened properly, and work on backlash. Minimize the length of the tool sticking out of the holder. Speed, feed, tool condition and proper relief. And experiment with the position of the tool post on the compound.
Can you use Axa tool holders with a bxa tool post. I am thinking about upgrading to a larger lathe and have a lot of Axa holders. Thanks
Hi. The dimensions of the dovetail portion are smaller on the axa, so it will not work directly. Cheers.
important point missed: do they all share the same dovetail mating, will the tool holders fit across all versions.
Hi. The holders are specific to the size of the tool post. Cheers.
No they WILL NOT FIT EACH OTHER. But if you have an AXA and wish to use some larger tooling, don't be afraid to open up an AXA tool holder to fit larger B sized tools. Just get out the carbide. The Chinese tool holders aren't that hard to cut to size. ;-)
Hi friend I have a HarborFreight t5980 3 in 1 machine smithy knock off. Says 14inch bed swing do you recommend the BXA or CXA?
Interesting. You said that one of the reasons was accuracy.....so how accurate is this tool post? I mean when you put a tool holder on the thing, lock it down and turn a diameter.....then take it off..then put it back on....is the tool back in the same place or is there a shift...how repeatable is this thing? While its nice to "quick change" a tool.....its even nicer if its where its supposed to be! I already have a piston type chinese tool post. Its not bad but not very accurate positionally when switching tools. I am planning to buy replacement posts and so I am genuinely interested in your opinion. Many thanks.
Hi Wayne, The wedge style is the only type I have owned and my choice was based on the expressed opinions of others. Here is a video where a guy does a comparison.
ua-cam.com/video/Mt4qPD6YPuM/v-deo.html
I will make a point of doing my own comparison at some point. But for now it is much too cold in my shop... :)
Cheers
I have a BXA on my 13". It works fine.
I should add that I do modify holders as necessary to take up to 3/4" tool and I have a couple parting blades that just barely get low enough to be on center ( I think I shaved the holder a bit on that one too).
Where there is a will, there is a way! Thanks for the comment.
Interesting video, may I ask I have a chinese mini lathe 7"x12" and ordered QCTP 250-000 but they sent me 250-100 does it defers hence I have to make a new stud with 10mm thread to hold on the compound rest.
Hi. From what I can see the 000 tool post holds the 001 tool holders....
example:
Tool post:DMC 250-000-000
Tool holder: 250-001,250-002,250- 004, 250-005, 250-007, 250-010
Cheers
Thanks a lot for your information so from your experience shall I change it to the set 250-000 or to adapt the set 250-100 on 7"x12" mini lathe as the height is 2cm from compound to the center. @@ChannelofRichPierik
McGlynn Springs
Yeah, while this IS a helpful video, it does confirm that I have a "special" lathe, and that I'll have a hard time finding a tool post to fit. My slide to centre height is 9mm, or 0.35".
A jewelers lathe?
Check out pewetools range of Toolposts,their smallest one is for 7-16mm centre height,it's called the Aaa Multifix toolpost,I have one and it's really small.
It was designed by Peter Wendlandt in Germany,the founder of the company.I keep in regular contact with Him.
His email address is:
pewetools4usa@gmx.de
He supplies many sizes of Toolposts,and has a large selection of various holders.
Regards,
Alan Melrose
South Africa
What is a Piston post vs Wedge post I have a South Bend 10 heavy
ua-cam.com/video/Mt4qPD6YPuM/v-deo.html
I like wedge tool post better. Less slippage of the holder and just better finish. That's just my opinion though.
do you know what size tool holder is right for my smithy cb1220 xl?
With a 12 inch swing you should feel quite confident with the AXA size. Take the measurement as shown in the video, and then look at the spec table for the toolpost you wish to buy, and figure in the tool bit size, and you have your answer. Good luck. Cheers.
@@ChannelofRichPierik Thank you very much. Cheers.
Video quality OK. No good for metric users thought.So I didn't help in any way.
The scale used in the video is graduated in both imperial and metric. If the visual is not enough to help understand the concept, then there is a very simple conversion feature embedded in your google search engine. Cheers.
thanks
Thanks, useful info...
Zopilote Sky cheers.
Thanks
Hey. My pleasure. Cheers.