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12x24, 12x36, 13x40 LATHES
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12x36 Lathes Choosing the Right Sized Tool Post
We've owned primarily mini-ish lathes up until now. One of the first things to get even if you intend to use ground HSS tooling, is to outfit the lathe with a quick-change tool post (AKA QCTP). This lets you quicly and easily change between tooling without having to shim your tools each time.
On smaller lathes such as the 7x12 series, you can find QCTP made by Phase II (2), and even ENCO and Harbor Freight. There are some aluminum versions made by A2Z and other manufacturers. Once you get to the next size, the 8x and 9x series, you step into the world dominated by brands such as Aloris and Dorian. The 100 seris (or AXA) are the perfect size for these lathes.
However, once again stepping up in the world of lathes, you'll find that the 12x lathes require a bit more heft in their toolpost. While you could certainly use a 100 series / AXA on your 12x and have tooling interchangable with the 8x/9x (which we thought long and hard about), we decided that it's a comparison of Fuji apples to Granny Smiths. Same league, different flavor.
So, a call to J&L industrial netted a Phase II non-wedge style (i.e. piston-style) set for just over $100. This was $10 less than even the specials catalogs at ENCO and MSC Direct (which is really J&L).
A quick comparison shot shows the difference in toolposts, but not-so-much with the holders themselves:
Notice the 100/AXA on the left (mounted on the 8x lathe) and the 200/BXA on the right. Big size difference!
We opted to stay on the frugal side, since we're thinking of changing out the BXA for an indexable-style toolpost such as the Aloris BXAI (for indexable) or Dorian Quadra. Both of these lets you 1. mount 4 toolholders on the post and 2. repeat to 0.00005" (amazing!) The Quadra has 15 degree increment indexing which is useful.
We'll post more updates once we machine the nut for the 12x T-slot, and (drum roll).... we install the indexable quick-change tool post.
For now, read up on the new insert tooling we purchased to address the issue of cutting hardened 4140 brinell 200 (rc 20+) leadscrews. Those interrupted cuts limited us to using 0.020" DOC on the 8x and even the 12x. Let's see if things get any better....
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