Re: What are the best Aloris quick-change holders to start out with?

According to Mark Main <email@xxxxxxxxxxxx>:
I have a Rivett 1020S and the Aloris BXA series quick-change tool post
and holders have been recommended to me.

I haven't worked on a lathe since high school (25 years ago) and so I
would really appreciate your recommendations on what holder 'numbers'
to start out with (e.g. #1, #2, #4, etc.).

To start out with I'll be doing a VERY slight taper (for about a length
of 1") on a 3/4" round x 2" long (when it's finished and cut) stock. I
assume that I'll drill the 1/2" center hole rather than bore it (I'm a
newbie).

Eventually I would like to make some chess pieces.

My guess is that I need the following BXA sized holders at a minimum:
#1 Turning and Facing Holder
#2 Boring, Turning and Facing Holder

The only difference between the #1 and the #2 is that the #2 has
a shallow V-groove at the bottom of the tool slot. This is so you can
clamp down on a round boring bar without it rolling out of the slot.
Normally, reasonable size shank tools will bridge the V, so the #2 can
be used for both functions at will.

But I don't know when and why I would need the #4, 41, 4D, 41D, 100,
104, 141, or 42 as an example.

#4 for holding a large diameter boring bar -- 1", IIRC, for the
BXA size, with a slotted sleeve to adjust it to the next size
down. This is nice for holding boring bars which accept HSS
bits crosswise for deep boring -- and for long internal
threading.

It can also be used for mounting turret tooling like box tools,
Geometric die heads, and certain kinds of knurling tools, along
with releasing tap holders -- if you are willing to take the
time to get the tools properly centered.

#41 Same as #4 -- but holds a larger boring bar (1-1/4").

#4D I don't have a record of this, or any of the 100 and higher
numbers
#100
#104
#141

#42 Nor do I have this one recorded.

The whole concept of universal tool holders (#20, 22, 30) and triangle
carbide insert holders (#12, 12N, 16, 16N, 23, 80, 80L, 15, 15L) and
knurling holders (#10, 19) is completely new to me.

You've got quite a few in that list which I don't have listed (I
made up my list from what MSC had in their catalog a few years back.)

I have the BXA-16N, and find it very convenient, as it holds two
inserts -- one in the turning position and one in the facing position,
with both adjusted to the proper height with a single adjustment.

The #13 is quite nice for getting close to work supported by a
fat live center. It has a tapered extension to the slot which clears
the live center bearing housing, and still gives good support to the
tool. Using the same tool clamped in a #1 or #2, and extended far
enough to clear will set you up for chatter, as the tool will flex.

I usually use mine for the threading insert tools, but am
thinking of getting another for a certain small insert holder which came
with my Compact-5/CNC, and which uses sharper (and smaller) inserts,
producing a nicer finish on some steels.

Note that while I have gotten some Aloris tool holders from eBay
auctions, I have yet to see one for the #16N or the #13 which closes
anything but close to the new price. If I'm going to pay that much,
I'll pay the extra few dollars to get one brand new. :-)

Another one which I have found to be very nice (which I *did*
get from an eBay auction) is the BXA-19 -- a combination of the scissors
knurling tool with a BXA toolholder -- with the two arms carrying the
knurls moving on a vertical dovetail on the holder, with a knob
adjusting both the upper and lower arms in opposite directions at the
same time, to keep the pressure centered on the workpiece.

This is *much* better than the BXA-10 "knurling, facing, and
turning" one, which uses the old bump knurling style which puts a lot of
load on the machine's cross slides. But new, it is *very* expensive.
$260.00 back when I made up my list.

Also, one of the parting blade holders, with the Cleveland
Mo-Max T-profile parting blades is an excellent thing to have.

Now, to see what others have suggested.

Enjoy,
DoN.

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