Aloris *XA-8 threading tool, any downside to it?

[WobblyHand]

I know this is an odd question for this group of enablers, but here goes. Are there any downsides to using the Aloris *XA-8 threading tool? Good features? New to me lathe has an AXA tool post. Wondering if the -8 tool is a good thing to add to my tooling. Have some carbide tooling for single pointing, which works ok. Aloris is running a 15% off sale until Nov 30th. Also thinking of picking up their AXA-4D boring bar holder.

 

[mmcmdl]

If you are referring to the P blade holders , they work good . Easy to sharpen and have adjustments on the holders . Never ran an AXA holder but had CXAs in the past .

 

[WobblyHand]

Yes, the holder for these P-6 blades. Not sure I'd try them up to 6 TPI on an AXA, but sure they'd be great on bigger tool holders.

Gee, that was easy, too easy. I should know better than to ask here.

 

[benmychree]

I have them and have used them for 40 years or so, can't be beat!

 

[Eyerelief]

I use a CXA-8 as well. I like it so much I just ordered the indexable carbide insert holder for it. hope to have it soon

 

[benmychree]

I use a CXA-8 as well. I like it so much I just ordered the indexable carbide insert holder for it. hope to have it soon

Years ago, I bought the carbide insert holder as well, found they chip all to easy and were only available from Aloris and were expensive; I quit using them.

 

[Eyerelief]

I cant speak for the chipping, but this unit holds the insert vertical, and is a conventional insert so they are available everywhere.

The insert is the TPMC-43NV. I just bought 10 for $30 on fleabay which puts me at a buck a cutter

 

[benmychree]

I cant speak for the chipping, but this unit holds the insert vertical, and is a conventional insert so they are available everywhere.
View attachment 385741
The insert is the TPMC-43NV. I just bought 10 for $30 on fleabay which puts me at a buck a cutter

That is entirely different than that which was offered years ago.

 

[Kevin T]

I've been using 'the CXA-8 for about a year and it is really nice for threading as stated. It can be kinda large for close in work but that is all relative to what you are trying to do. The Boring bar holder though... That is a nice tool! Not sure which size you are looking at but it's great for holding stock too if you don't have a mill and need to do something simple. I splurged and got one of the larger sizes and also the insert that goes inside with a couple of different diameters. What is nice for me with the insert and holder is that since it's double ended you can use the tail stock to align whatever you have sticking out toward the chuck quickly and easily for non critical work.

EDIT: I will at some point make a custom insert for the boring bar holder so I can have a couple more sizes to hold things. I think I have the 1/2 & 5/8's one and could use 1/4 & 3/8 sizes too.