Last time, I promise: PM-1228 or PM-1236??

[Cletus]

I've found out, the day you buy a mill or lathe, a job comes in and you wish you've bought a bigger machine
15-years ago I bought a Grizzly 9x20 lathe and Mini-mill. Did tons of profitable work on those. Eventually CNC modified the mini. Now I really need a knee mill. The lathe I will have to live with, no more room!

 

[Ischgl99]

As for the AXA -vs- the BXA, I asked about that. With the PM-1236-T the height from the top of the compound to the center line of the spindle is too large for AXA.

Precision Matthews told you an AXA would not fit on a 1236T? I have an AXA sized toolholder on my 1236T and it fits perfectly.

 

[wachuko]

Precision Matthews told you an AXA would not fit on a 1236T? I have an AXA sized toolholder on my 1236T and it fits perfectly.

Not what he said, not what they told me either... AXA fits but the height is not optimal and a spacer would need to be made to get it to the correct height... At least that is what I was informed by PM.

Can you share a photo of your setup?

 

[Ischgl99]

Here is a couple photos, one with a 1/2” toolholder, and one with 3/8”. This is a Chinese 250-100, so I don’t know how it would compare to an Aloris or Dorian as far as height. If you use 1/4” tools, it might be on the short side, but I rarely use anything that small.

 

[Aukai]

It's possible that the AXA, and BXA are right at the centerline threshold both ways. By BXA cut off blade holder was several thousandths low in the BXA holder for the 1340, and I milled the top to bring it up.

 

[Christianstark]

I think AXA and BXA are both fine for the machine, but BXA will give you greater flexibility when it comes to tool sizes and indexable tooling inserts. This is what I have read only, and have 0 experience.

I don't think it is a huge deal either way. I'd go BXA personally but WTH do I know?

 

[wachuko]

Thank you guys. More at ease now with the BXA that comes with the lathe then... Will stick with that for now.

Now...is it normal to be looking at knurling tools and knurling videos like it was porn? Man! I want to do some knurling... hahahahahahhaha.

I am trying hard not buy any tools until the lathe is here... trying... ..must...hold...on... I did get The Amateur's Lathe book by L.H. Sparey... reading that to calm me down, lol...

 

[macardoso]

Thank you guys. More at ease now with the BXA that comes with the lathe then... Will stick with that for now.

Now...is it normal to be looking at knurling tools and knurling videos like it was porn? Man! I want to do some knurling... hahahahahahhaha.

I am trying hard not buy any tools until the lathe is here... trying... ..must...hold...on... I did get The Amateur's Lathe book by L.H. Sparey... reading that to calm me down, lol...

A tool post, 3-Jaw chuck, 4-jaw chuck, a live center, couple turning tools and boring bars, and a couple indicators will keep you busy for a long time.

 

[Cletus]

"I am trying hard not buy any tools until the lathe is here..." Resistance is futile my brother!

 

[Aukai]

I have the Eagle Rock scissors knurling tool.