I am trying to find out if I have any worries about "wear" in buying an older Aloris AX tool holder which has just become available to me for a couple hundred bucks. I had posted an add "searching for AXA tool holder for a Logan 10"-11"...etc." and got a response from a guy who had bought a larger lathe. I am a blacksmith who uses this lathe infrequently but really don't want to own Chinese tools if possible. I have read plenty of opinions about "repeatability" but I am not concerned about that at this point. My main questions would be #1 Do these "piston" types wear more easily than the wedge types? #2 Can they then be somehow "rebuilt? #3 Are all of the tool holders interchangeable from AXA to AX? I would really appreciate any input regarding this, Thanks, D~
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AX vs AXA???
- Thread starter dragonslayr
- Start date
I recently downloaded the Aloris catalog from their site. I see no reference to "AX" QCTP, only "AXA".
The only site I have seen which has a toolholder which is specific to piston vs wedge for AXA size is Shars. If I recall this was a parting blade toolholder.
I have not read any threads about wear on QCTP. I have read a number of threads on the pros and cons of piston vs wedge. From your post it sounds like either will work for your needs.
The only site I have seen which has a toolholder which is specific to piston vs wedge for AXA size is Shars. If I recall this was a parting blade toolholder.
I have not read any threads about wear on QCTP. I have read a number of threads on the pros and cons of piston vs wedge. From your post it sounds like either will work for your needs.
In general, it seems that the wedge style tool post is favored over piston, but having said that the piston types seem to work fine.
Like Dave said, it's probably not an issue for you. If the tool post is an AXA, then AXA size tool holders from other suppliers should all fit.
As far as wear goes, I think it would take a long time to wear out a tool post.
Like Dave said, it's probably not an issue for you. If the tool post is an AXA, then AXA size tool holders from other suppliers should all fit.
As far as wear goes, I think it would take a long time to wear out a tool post.
I do not think that the holders will interchange between piston and wedge type. I don't think wear is an issue with any of them, I've been using a CA on my 19" Regal with daily use since the 1980s without any noticeable wear.
I've used both, (its not so much a piston as a cam operated press) and they both do what they are supposed to. I think the biggest difference is 'cost to manufacture.' Some claim the wedge is more accurate, it could be, but I'll bet the difference is minimal.
Just to define the terminology: the tool post is the bit with the handle that is attached to the lathe while the tool holder is the bit that holds the tools (boring bars or HSS cutters).
Originally AX meant the piston tool post and AXA meant the wedge tool post, both for the same size lathe. This distinction has been lost over time, probably because Aloris quit making the smaller piston tool posts awhile ago. Both tool posts use the same tool holders, although you will find some holders that won't work with some posts, probably because production variances. Even Aloris had trouble with this, but it seems they will regrind their older tool holders to fit as necessary.
As far as the used tool post, if it works correctly now it should be fine. You aren't going to wear it out and it should be easy enough to check at the seller. Make sure you get some used tool holders in the deal, as the ones from Aloris can be pricey if you want to stay all-Americian.
Originally AX meant the piston tool post and AXA meant the wedge tool post, both for the same size lathe. This distinction has been lost over time, probably because Aloris quit making the smaller piston tool posts awhile ago. Both tool posts use the same tool holders, although you will find some holders that won't work with some posts, probably because production variances. Even Aloris had trouble with this, but it seems they will regrind their older tool holders to fit as necessary.
As far as the used tool post, if it works correctly now it should be fine. You aren't going to wear it out and it should be easy enough to check at the seller. Make sure you get some used tool holders in the deal, as the ones from Aloris can be pricey if you want to stay all-Americian.
My experience has been any tool holder that fits a wedge will also fit piston if its of the Aloris or Clone style. If you look in CDCO catalog they sell holders and do not specify that they are for wedge or piston , they fit both. I have dozens of holders bought new and used from variety of sources in BXA and CXA they all fit fine and I have had both wedge and piston holders, I do not like piston and have sold everyone I have come by but they do work fine and take the same holders as wedge, that I know for sure.
Thank you all very much everybody for all of the good info. I DID contact Aloris "technical" today and they assured me that I shouldn't have any trouble with this old post but if there was an issue with their tool holders not fitting then they WOULD make adjustments for me. That fell in line with some others posts that I had read and made me feel a bit more confident about this purchase so I texted the seller an offer but have not yet received a response. If I am successful in acquiring this unit I will post my feelings about it. Thank you all again, D~
thank you kd4gij.... I just received what was supposed to be an "AX" tool post but is an "A" (piston type).... it appears to be in pretty good shape and does hold the two Aloris tool holders that came with it with no problem so I am hopeful that it will also hold other Aloris products without having to modify but won't know right away. I had called Aloris Tech and they had said that there shouldn't be a problem with the "AX" when I called.... guess I will now be calling them again on Monday morning with new questions. Thanks agin and I will post when I get some more info, D~