Quick Change Tool Post

I'm thinking about getting a QT tool post for my Myford ML7.

I've seen posts about some brands being not so good, and as I'm in NZ it would be a hassle to return one, so would like to get something good.

I've seen a couple on eBay, one from Myford, and one from A&R Precision. The A&R is priced lower (85 pounds) than the Myford one (120 pounds).

I'll pick up either when I'm next in the UK as they seem to be extremely pricey over here.

I'd appreciate any advice

I use A&R Precision tool holders on my ML7 and they are nice quality at a reasonable price.

He used to make them for Myford before they went bankrupt

The problem with the Myford one - from RDG - is the lack of toolholders. They have been "coming into stock" for the last six months. Managed to get a dozen at Harrogate but they all went so fast they didn't even put them on their website.

I am going to see if the A&R precision will fit, looks like it is identical, let's hope the dimensions are too.

I have the same problem with one for a Boxford that I got from them. Very similar, just slightly larger than the Myford one so probably made by the same people.

Nick

I'm guessing RDG are out of stock, as the Myford one they have on eBay is 900 pounds.

I was looking at one from "Myford" on eBay which is branded Myford.

I haven't been impressed with some of the Asian stuff I've seen so would prefer to get something made in the UK.

Hi

I have used both the import and UK made T0 Dixon tool holders. Initially I bought a set of tool holders plus the tool post from RDG, these I believe were imports, they were well made and nicely finished. Wanting more tool holders I bought some from directly from A&R Precision, these fitted the 'import' tool post. All of the machined mating surfaces engaged perecisely as presumably the specification for a Dixon T0 tool post and holder is standard, wait for the howls of derision from the 'You Must' buy British group for buying foreign goods and expect to fit.

The only slight problem I experienced was that the locking cam rotated slightly further when used with the A&R holders, which if one was particularly heavy handed may mean it was possible to turn past the locking point. This was overcome by making a new cam spindle for the post, a simple job for which I used silver steel rod.

Graham with regard to the A&R holders being used on the Myford branded post I would not expect any problem as they used to supply Myford currently they have sets of tool holders for sale on that well known auction site

I have not looked back since changing to the Dixon T0 quick change system. Its robust easy to use and has put more mass and rigidity around the cutting tool which can only help.

Cheers

Martin

Edited By Martin W on 30/07/2014 11:29:38

Grotto, I don't know where about in this country you are, but there is a firm in Christchurch, maybe else where call Drills Taps and Dies, there is a fairly good chance they would have what you are looking for. Only things I'v bought there is BA taps and Dies, they also have ME taps and dies, and all the cutting tools, measuring gear, and just about everything except machinery (unless they'v gone that way too). I think they want to set up some franchises else where in the country.

Ian S C

Thanks,

Ian - I'm in Auckland have seen some up here but they have been of questionable quality. Although they come with a guarantee, i don't use my lathe enough to give them a good work out before the guarantee expires. Prices in the UK also seem to be lower, but maybe that's just down to the exchange rate.

I think I'll go ahead and get an A&R one with some holders. They only have standard holders at the moment, but hopefully they'll get some others before December which is when I'll get a chance to collect them.

I have been using a toolpost and holders from A&R for some time with no problems apart from the bush supplied not fitting the toolpost stud on my ML7. Easily rectified by turning my own, but from the advert they now appear to supply a range of bushes. The post and toolholders are well made, I would recommend them.

Gordon.

Hi

A useful source that I use for machine tool accessories is

http://littlemachineshop.com/

With the NZ dollar around 80 cents US it is a viable to import.

Be aware that shipping costs are pricey and that the value must be under $400 NZ or you pay the dreaded GST.

If you have a milling machine with time and patience you can fabricate your own personal customized set.

There are over 20 of them now roosting on a shelf behind my lathe with a couple of QCTP's.

Once the tool posts were made they started to reproduce tool holders and now they are everywhere.

Eric

Thanks Eric

I'll keep them in mind next time I'm after something.

I've bought an A&R set which I'll get posted to me in the UK and pick up next time I'm there. I may even be able to reclaim the VAT when I leave, but maybe that's a bit hopeful.

Just to echo the other half of Martin W's comments about the lever going a little further with the A&R Precision holders in an Asian block - I suspect the T slots are machined slightly deeper in on the cheaper blocks, so in my Bison tool post, the A&R and Bison holders fit nicely, whereas with the cheapo one's I bought , the handle doesn't turn enough due to the slight extra thickness - time will tell if they want to jump out - I've not used them much.

I'd try to quantify this but I'm a little short on accurate metrology kit due to me just starting out - I'll bookmark this and add it to the to do list.

Perhaps in the future after gathering some measurements we could conclude that quality holders in cheap blocks is an acceptable combination, but cheap holders in quality blocks might be a gamble?

Russ

Good point I hadn't thought about the Asian holders in standard block/post. I suspect the difference is only a few thou but it will as you noted stop the cam slightly early. All the machined mating surfaces seem to engage nicely though. A skim with a cutter off the relevant face in the T slot would quickly resolve the problem, or even a quick dressing with a small file could be an option as that face is only used as a clamping surface.

Cheers

Martin

Eric, and Grotto, just remember that the $NZ 400 includes any customs, and MAF costs. Ian S C

Well I've bought an A&R Toolpost & 6 holders, they reckon they've found a boring tool holder so i'll get that as well.

The info says the tool holders take 1/2"/12mm tools.

I'm wondering if this is the maximum, or if tools have to be 1/2"?

Will I have to shim my 10mm tools?

Also, I have a few tools which have a shaft larger than 12mm. Is there a downside to grinding these down to 12mm so they fit?

Thanks

You'll be fine with smaller tools than 1/2". In fact the main problem will be bringing the cutting edge of some tools down to the lathe centre height. I had to reduce the thickness of a budget 10mm tool tip holder because the tip lies proud of the top of the holder.

Cheers,

Rod

Well, the toolholders I bought last week from A&R Precision made an appearance this morning. At first I thought there had been a mistake, the box seemed a bit light for my order. No, right quantity. Being the pedant that I am, first thing I did was remove all of the Cap Screws and replace them with Cap Screws that fit better lengthwise as I went along fitting tooling to them. This is not a reflection on A&R, more an observation and confession.

These toolholders are 100% BETTER than the RDG offerings. They are far more precise a fit to the toolpost - despite the fact it is an RDG toolpost! They are clearly better finished and superior in every way. I will not be buying any more of the RDG offering and I urge A&R to make more tooling because the quality is there and Made in England.

graham.

Graham,

I also received 4 standard holders this morning from A&R to add to my, now more gradually, building collection. The quality is incredible, they are a better finish than the Bison ones I have although they both fit equally well.

I'm saving up for their rear parting holder, and have asked them if they can make (some, many, one?) ER40 or ER32 collet holders suitable for the Myfords - ideally ER40 as if I'm going to buy a set, I might as well get the one that can grip the largest stock (30mm), which should cover many scenarios.

I realise it's probably best to make these at home on the lathe it is to be used on for accuracy, but my skills are not up to that yet and they seem like they could be made for a reasonable price.

Edited By Russ B on 04/08/2014 14:13:10

Further to Ian SC .... Eric, and Grotto, just remember that the $NZ 400 includes any customs, and MAF costs.

I have always assumed postage or freight too

Then if it comes by a freight/courier company they may add a charge for paying Customs for you ... alternative my current problem is a US Post Office parcel sitting in Customs for over a week now wairting for them to get around to telling me how much GST etc I have to pay .... at least the couriers despite failing to advise me until I chased them up it was only a matter of about five days for me to get it after landing and it was the week before Christmas so I guess they were busy

Side issue with my current problem ... I know their business is letters but one would think outfits even the NZPO would use e-mail rather tha snail mail which apparently these days takes three days for a 'local' letter here in Dunedin as it is sent to Christchurch to be sorted and then comes back LOL

On the thread subject perhaps ... one of the cleverer guys at OMES made himself a 'three tool' holder with tools at 60 degrees rather than the usual 90 degrees .... this was some years ago now ... one of my projects yet to be started

Edited By JC Uknz 1 on 06/08/2014 09:18:07

Further to my earlier posting ... the advice letter arrived this morning ... overnight by 'fast mail' as one would expect and included an advice leaflet saying there is a $46.89 charge for Customs dealing with the matter .. others I have heard at the Club bemoaning this set charrge when their goods were only a bit over the limi.

Customs call it an "import entry fee"  Now I wait for the parcel, with luck tomorrow ... two days to cross the world and ? Auckland to Dunedin .....

Edited By JC Uknz 1 on 07/08/2014 07:25:06