Does anyone know of a good cheap accurate reliable multifix type tool post for a 7” class lathe?

[RaisedByWolves]

Newp, I missed you wanted that as well as good and cheap. In that case, no. Best of luck.

Thanks for your input.

Looks like I’m in luck.

 

[RaisedByWolves]

OK, so I did start a thread on this subject last year, but it kinda died on the vine so to speak.

Anyone have one of the Multifix type tool posts from Ailexpress?

Im looking to outfit a new (To me) lathe and was (Am) very please with the Aloris wedge style tool post I got from BG. At the time I purchased this set I had seen and liked the design of the Multifix system, but they were double the cost and kinda felt I was going out on a limb as it were ($125...

www.hobby-machinist.com

I only wish I had noted the prices from then as I know their much cheaper now, but not by how much.

After much deliberation and measuring I went with the plus size. I was considering the Max, but the tool holders seemed comically large in comparison to the ones I currently have for my other machine which is an OXA. These Gedeihen don't seem to follow standard sizing, which I guess is good and bad.

Good as you can custom tailor the size to fit your machine, but bad as in if you want more tool holders later you may be SOL if this brand dies off.

In light of that I did order one extra tool holder, but only one to make sure it is compatable. If it is then I may order a few more later.

Ill update this when these arrive for future reference.

 

[RaisedByWolves]

Ok, got these in Saturday and I’m impressed and disappointed at the same time.

Let’s just get the disappoint out of the way as it’s minor and my fault. They’re smaller than I would like.


Other than that I’m happy with what I got at this price point.

Didn’t do much as far as setup to get the most out of them as I was sure I was going to be disappointed with the performance of these.

I just put them on the lathe with an ill fitting hold down stud, and a questionable locking handle, but even with that they performed well.


I may pony up and buy the next larger set and use this set on a different machine as I’m not happy with the overall height of the tool post, but that is mostly due to the small tooling I’m using.





First chips on the new machine, Prazi SD400.






I was able to take a .060 cut in 3/4” O-1 without anything moving which surprised me. I tried .080 and there was chatter, but I suspect this was due to the machine not being set up properly as this was the first time it was ever used.

 

[Firstram]

That looks appropriately sized, could you add a disk under the tool post to gain some height?
Wouldn’t a larger size give you more overhang, creating more leverage on the cross slide?

 

[RaisedByWolves]

That looks appropriately sized, could you add a disk under the tool post to gain some height?
Wouldn’t a larger size give you more overhang, creating more leverage on the cross slide?

I could shim the tool post or shim the tools in the holder if need be. These are only 5/16” insert holders, I could go up to 3/8” with different holders from the same system.

Not sure which way to go on that honestly.

The next size tool post wouldn’t create excess overhang, but it would give the tool more leverage over the top slide.

I’m going to have to look that over. If nothing more buying this cheap set gives me a better idea of what size is appropriate vs spending 3X the money for something I wouldn’t be happy with.

 

[RaisedByWolves]

OK, this topic came up in another thread and I thought I would give a better review after using this set for a while.

They are an exercise in frustration!

The tool holders and tool post hold everything very well, but changing them out? Its maddening.

It seems like there is not enough throw on the retaining arms to make enough room for the tool holder to slip into place easily. Its a struggle every time you want to change holders.

Would not recommend.

 

[Firstram]

OK, this topic came up in another thread and I thought I would give a better review after using this set for a while.

They are an exercise in frustration!

The tool holders and tool post hold everything very well, but changing them out? Its maddening.

It seems like there is not enough throw on the retaining arms to make enough room for the tool holder to slip into place easily. Its a struggle every time you want to change holders.

Would not recommend.

That’s too bad. Can you tune up the cam to get more travel out of it?

 

[RaisedByWolves]

That’s too bad. Can you tune up the cam to get more travel out of it?

I might try that now that you mention it.