Thread: Quick change tool post advice

I'm looking at getting a quick change tool post for my lathe.

I have a Machtech Turner 310x910 (which looks identical to the H&F AL-336 )

I think I want a Wedge type not a piston type tool post

Questions:
1) What size do I need? Im thinking I need a BXA as an AXA seems to be for a smaller lathe?

2) What is a good price for one? - Tool Post and 5 Tool holders (that's how they seem to usually come, turning, facing, boring, knurling etc) $300 AUD?

3) I'd like advice on where to get one at a good price (I've been looking on Ebay and Ali Express) - Keep in mind I'm in Melbourne Australia so postage is a factor) Medium quality is fine - it's for hobby use.

Thanks guys

Marty

There is a 40 position tool post in the for sale sign in with 10 holders, but it's $650 so might be out of your budget.
The BXA is your size and I'd go for the wedge style.
As for holders if you don't buy a set, there are a few places on eBay and the US selling them pretty cheap.

Dave, how well do the tool holders fit if I don't buy a matched set at the start - is that something to worry about?

I don't own one, but reading all the posts on a lot of forums over the past 10 years, there was only the odd one that didn't fit quite right, and the odd ones came from the same seller.

Originally Posted by Arty Marty

Dave, how well do the tool holders fit if I don't buy a matched set at the start - is that something to worry about?

CDCO used to be the go to place to buy them cheap, with the postage increase you would have to work that out these days.
CDCO Machinery Corp.

I just checked and there prices have gone up slightly on the tool holders to $13-$14 each. From memory you can get 18 holders in a flat rate box, or you can buy the set then have him fill the box with spare holders.

Not sure whereabouts in Melbourne you are, but Felix out at at Mag-Pro in Derrimut has the sets for $220 Wedge Quick Change Tool Post 1 PC Tool Post and 5 PCS Tool Holder Set,10-15"_Machine Tool Access._M&G Productions

I was going to get one of the CXA size, but ended up buying a piston type off another member here.
I've bought a vice and surface plate from them and the quality seems to be pretty reasonable.

I've no affiliation other than being a happy customer.

Steve

If you rate the wedge type as a 10 in my experience the piston type would also rate the same.
As said by Dave he or someone else had a problem with the wedge type fitting,not sure if I have seen any posts about trouble with the piston type.

Since we are talking about toolposts, how does a wedge/piston type post compare to the 40 position quick post tool post.

I am wondering if the 40 position type is stiffer, less able to deflect under load and what would be the advantages over the wedge/ piston type ?

L2992 - Model E5 Quick Change Toolpost - 40 Position | Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse

Without doing some serious measuring and testing of the toolposts, I don't think that would be much in it. The 40 position posts are favoured because they are very easy to put on an angle, where as the Aloris style post only has 2 positions. However, looking at the size of the base of both types I think you would have to be going to get one to deflect (noticeably) more than the other.

In use both styles are held by two strips either side of the holder. Personally I think the wedge style is a little bit more secure than the piston type, but that is only because the wedge type is pulling the holder onto the post where as the piston type is pushing it away - less contact area?? The 40 position also pulls onto the post, so not much in it there.

Aloris, one of the original QCTP makers did make both the wedge and piston type at some time but only make the wedge style now. The piston style was cheaper but they must have felt that it did not offer the performance of the wedge. However, there are lots of people making piston type and selling them, so the difference can not be too much. I doubt that unless you are making really high precision stuff that it is anything to be concerned about...

Michael

PS I use a wedge type, and that is mainly because I made a decision years ago that if I was buying a QCTP, I wanted something I could easily make holders for. The 40 position QCTP is a lot more work.

Originally Posted by Somedayplumbing

Since we are talking about toolposts, how does a wedge/piston type post compare to the 40 position quick post tool post.

I am wondering if the 40 position type is stiffer, less able to deflect under load and what would be the advantages over the wedge/ piston type ?

L2992 - Model E5 Quick Change Toolpost - 40 Position | Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse

Honestly my Dickson style tool post is held by an esentric cam also. For ridgeness I hear the wedge is over Piston but never owned one of either.
I'm happy with mine and feel it's only the 40 positions I'm missing out on.
My tool post is 14 years old and has shown it quality (even though it was bought from Hare and Forbes), if I was to buy one these day for the price I'd buy the 40 position. They have come down so much compared to the Dickson style which are still up there.

I currently own a big multifix, big Dickson style and a smaller wedge toolpost.

If I was making holders, wedge is the best, by far the easiest to make.

Then the Dickson style are next best, lots of surface area, better height adjustment, but chips can get wedged in the cam mechanism.

Multifix I find repeats better, has nowhere for chips to get to as everything seals tighter and overall can take heavier cuts. Also much much easier to position. But most complicated geometry.
Another small thing in the Multifix favour is its body is much smaller for a given size and doesn't hit the tailstock or foul it as often.

Not much in it, trick is don't mix and match systems like me. Hoarder problem

Originally Posted by Michael G

PS I use a wedge type, and that is mainly because I made a decision years ago that if I was buying a QCTP, I wanted something I could easily make holders for. The 40 position QCTP is a lot more work.

Second this. I have a Dickson type on both my Monarch and Colchester (different sizes of course). Both work very well as QCTP's.

However, making tool holders is a right PITA. Been there done that. I'd rather an Aloris type simply for that reason.

Might make one more run of holders when I get a couple more projects off of the list. It's tempting to set up a metre length of bar stock on the planer and rough out in bulk. If only I had the time...

PDW

That's why I made as many Dickson style holders that would fit out of the one piece of plate I had picked up.
Along with the 5 that came with the tool post I don't think I'll ever need another one with the 46 I got out of the plate.

Not a job I would want to go back doing again. For me it was a do it once and not ever have to do it again type of thing.

Making Dickson style quick change tool post holders (picture heavy)

Is there a difference between the wedge type and piston type tool holders? Is it just the tool post that is different?