Which Qctp?

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Spike

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Howdy folks, me again, the clueless noob. I have been lurking around and noticed many folks with lathes similar to my QC-54 have a quick change tool post. I looked aorund online and there are many out there but none come right out and say, "this will fit a QC-54."

So can anyone tell a guy who will need specific instruction for even the simplest task just exactly what size will fit my machine? Maybe the best place to get one for not too much money?

I know, I am cheap, but I have good reason. First, I am poor and that means I must find the best deals on my toys to justify what some would say is wasting money, and second, the lathe is technically only loaned to me unless I can work a deal on it so spending too much is for sure a waste of money.

Cheaply yours,
-Spike
 
Spike said:
So can anyone tell a guy who will need specific instruction for even the simplest task just exactly what size will fit my machine? Maybe the best place to get one for not too much money?


Cheaply yours,
-Spike
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Spike,
Aloris is one of the standards on QCTP and their chart (middle of their catalog) states the your Atlas takes an AXA size tool post. From my experience that is correct. There are a lot of places to buy imported versions of the Aloris, some for under $100.

NOTE: unless you purchase one from Aloris (very expensive option) You will have to modify the supplied t-nut to fit your lathe's slot; typically by milling it.

Here are some links for AXA tool posts. (I have no affiliation with any of these companies.)

http://www.aloris.com

http://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=2280&category=-419988835

http://www.cdcotools.com

http://www.shars.com/products/toolh...uick-change-tool-post-set-piston-type-100-axa

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...XA+tool+post.TRS0&_nkw=AXA+tool+post&_sacat=0
 
Yes, the AXA or 100 Series is the correct size QCTP for an Atlas 10" or 12".
 
These guys have you covered Spike. I would just add that there is a nice FAQ section on the Aloris website that CraigB1960 mentioned. It answers many of the questions you may have about QCTP's and may prove helpful.

The AXA is a very popular size, you shouldn't have a problem unloading it later and recovering most of your investment.

-Nugz
 
Great info, thanks everyone :). I hope to get with the bud who owns the lathe sometime this weekend and maybe figure out it's long term situation. It's hard to pester the guy when I think maybe he in reality has given me this machine without saying as much. I sure do not want to make him regret it and change his mind.

That being said I will be on the hunt for the QCTP you have so kindly recommended. The lathe I used occasionally at work had one and my memory tells me they are quite handy.
Thanks again everyone,
-Spike
 
Have you considered metal lathe accessories MLA 23 tool post? I have the axa with half a dozen holders and consider it to big/bulky for the atlas and the offset/overhang isn't good for for the light cross slide/compound.

When I purchased the a11 cross slide a few weeks ago from Andy I bought the tool post plans. The tool with his design has a lot less overhang.

http://mikesworkshop.weebly.com/novel-quick-change-tool-post.html

This is a good Norman style tool post as well with even less overhang,2 tools on one block, and other than the tool slot can be all done with the lathe equipped with a 4 jaw chuck and no dovetails.
 
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But it also has some disadvantages. For one, it doesn't appear to index automatically. Not too critical for turning or facing tools but is critical for threading, grooving or parting tools.
 
A fishtail gage takes care of all three in seconds.

I find the index feature a hindrance most of the time on my axa as I am always having to reach for the wrench to turn the post. I suppose it would be useful if I had production work and a lot more tool holders with dedicated tools.

The tool room at work has all their lathes with aloris tool post in axa, bxb, and dxd sizes and they are always repositioning things for clearance and every time you turn the compound. The all thought a single handle and having to set tool square when needed would be just fine.

A rear mounted cutoff tool (or head mounted) is so superior any way. Once my t slot cross slide is finished that is!
The cut off tool is the worst for the aloris style post for overhang anyways prompting (due to the atlas light construction) me to look for an alternative to the aloris style post in the first place
 
OK. Different strokes...
 
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