Aloris vs Dorian BXA Tool Post, or is there a compelling case for Multifix (PeWe or other non Chinese)

[Dabbler]

I own Aloris, Dixon, 4 way, and American Rocker tools posts. Frankly what you want is quality. Any format tool post will be good enough if it is well made.

I don't own a Multifix, but I've used them.

I cannot rate a Dorian versus Aloris, but I expect they are both well made.

In terms of rigidity, for the tool posts I own, the most rigid to least rigid are:

Dixon, 4-way, Aloris, then American Rocker.

 

[Christianstark]

I was really talking myself into the cool factor of the multifix over the past day, and I almost pulled the trigger on PeWe, but at the end of the day I decided I wanted my money to NOT go to China. Ordering from AXA tools was going to be a PITA and expensive, and my common sense got the better of me so I pulled the trigger on the Dorian that @mksj linked. Less than $500 vs $1700+ after duty fees and shipping.

No brainer.

Zorro shows the red one...but I kinda hope its the steel colored one.

 

[Christianstark]

Received the Dorian tool post from Zoro today, machined the T-nut to a tap in fit, and squared up the post.

I am incredibly sorry I did not start with this tool post when I purchased my machine, and I advise anyone to pony up the extra 3-400 dollars to go with this over a budget import. The difference is unbelievable.

 

[Christianstark]

 

[G-ManBart]

Received the Dorian tool post from Zoro today, machined the T-nut to a tap in fit, and squared up the post.

I am incredibly sorry I did not start with this tool post when I purchased my machine, and I advise anyone to pony up the extra 3-400 dollars to go with this over a budget import. The difference is unbelievable.

What difference is that? I've got Aloris CXA on two lathes, Aloris BXA on another lathe and I've had Bostar and Phase II on other lathes (like 8 other lathes). There was zero difference in repeatability between all of them, and I measured more times that I care to think. I make a standard for each lathe that straddles the saddle, and mark it with the center height so I don't have to remember. I've taken tools on/off time and again and seen no change in center height. The Aloris handles do lock up nicer, and the overall fit and finish is better, but zero performance difference from an accuracy or repeatability standpoint.

 

[Christianstark]

Center height is not the only measure of repeatability. The tool locks in place much more rigidly, repeatability in X and Z within 10ths, the post itself is beefier/rigid, I am parting off parts that have given me issues in the past, faster than I have ever been able to in the past, and I am able to take heavier cuts with carbide tooling (breaking a chip) than I was ever able to take with the bostar. Locking tool holders on the post has a feel that is confidence inspiring, and is not spongy at the point of contact like on the bostar. The dovetail fit with my import holders slide on with a noticable reduction in slop. The hardware is orders of magnitude higher quality than the bostar. I am finding skim passes more predictable as well.

 

[G-ManBart]

Center height is not the only measure of repeatability. The tool locks in place much more rigidly, repeatability in X and Z within 10ths, the post itself is beefier/rigid, I am parting off parts that have given me issues in the past, faster than I have ever been able to in the past, and I am able to take heavier cuts with carbide tooling (breaking a chip) than I was ever able to take with the bostar. Locking tool holders on the post has a feel that is confidence inspiring, and is not spongy at the point of contact like on the bostar. The dovetail fit with my import holders slide on with a noticable reduction in slop. The hardware is orders of magnitude higher quality than the bostar. I am finding skim passes more predictable as well.

That's interesting. I wasn't only talking about center height, but that's the easiest to reference and where dramatic problems would likely show up first. Honestly, it sounds like you got a bad Bostar. I didn't see any of those issues you mentioned...even when going from Bostar to Aloris on the same machine, with the same tools/holders. I went from Bostar to Aloris on three machines so far and none of those showed any difference than the handle feeling better/more secure.

 

[Beckerkumm]

It's not always about quality, but the consistent delivery of quality. Dave