Tool post ?

[38_Cal]

Starting to tool up for my new-to-me 1994 Enco 13x40 lathe. I've been using AXA sized tool post/holders on my older Rockwell 11x24. Anyone used the AXA size on a larger lathe? How about with a riser under it? Any problems I should look out for with this type of a setup? Just don't want to have to have two sizes of tool holders and have to duplicate everything to a larger size...Yep, I'm cheap, or is it frugal?

Thanks,
David

[Rich Carlstedt]

Dave
Yes, It works fine .
I have a 10 inch Boxford and a 12 3/4 " Clausing ( yeah, thats what they rate it !)

I have a riser on the Clausing that exactly matches the difference in Center Heights , so my preset toolholders are used without any adjustments.
Rich

[Toolguy]

Axa

I have a Chinese 12 X 40 lathe and all I use is the AXA. It's just the right size for mine. There are so many different lathes out there that one size won't fit all.

[Rosco-P]

I'd make some careful measurements of the compound to centerline. If you can fit the BXA toolpost and still get the toolholder on center without modification, the extra rigidity might be worth the expense. Get a bare bones Phase II wedge BXA "starter" set. Extra BXA toolholders at CDCO are still a bargain.

[platypus2020]

I'd make some careful measurements of the compound to centerline. If you can fit the BXA toolpost and still get the toolholder on center without modification, the extra rigidity might be worth the expense. Get a bare bones Phase II wedge BXA "starter" set. Extra BXA toolholders at CDCO are still a bargain.

When I talked to Aloris, they told me a BXA would not be anymore rigid, the tool post, on a lathe that size, isn't the weakest point, its going to be either the compound or the carriage. A BXA would offer more options as far as tool size, but wouldn't give anymore rigidity. After I got done talking to them, giving them all of the dimensions they said the best option for the 14" x 40" was the Aloris AXA, I already had.

[Rosco-P]

Are all lathes of a given swing (give or take an inch....) equal in rigidity? Is a SB "Heavy 10" as rigid as Logan or a Sheldon? Is a 14" Enco as rigid as a Hendey, Reed and Prentice, Cinci, etc.? BXA and CXA toolposts can also open the door to a world of cheap carbide toolholders and surplus inserts. Not true in AXA series.

We will have to agree to disagree.

[Toolguy]

Tooling

I have bought lots of cheap carbide inserts and toolholders for my lathe on Ebay. Many 1/2" square toolholders and 3/8 to 3/4 boring bars.

[garyphansen]

I have an axa size on both a 14" LeBlond (Swings 15 1/4") and a South Bend 9". and they work on both. The tool holder height adjustment screw needs adjusted when switching between laths.

Gary P. Hansen

[38_Cal]

Thanks, all. Appreciate the advice and comments.

David