AXA VS BXA Fitting on lathe.

[Jwest7788]

See:


This is my model lathe with an AXA QCTP on it. Notice how the tool holder rests on the cross slide.

Based on this image, am I better off getting a BXA, which would be slightly larger, or does it not matter and I should just match what this other gentleman did?

Thoughts?

JW

 

[Dabbler]

First, the AXA has lots of rigidity for your lathe.
Second, as long as 90% of the dovetail is engaged AND you have 'wiggle room' below the tool holder, then this is the one for you.

The BXA will still start at the same place on the compound rest, and will have most of the adjustment on the top. BXA could be used, but it is overkill for your lathe. I have an AXA on an 11/13" lathe and it is more than rigid enough for my lathe.

 

[DPittman]

First, the AXA has lots of rigidity for your lathe.
Second, as long as 90% of the dovetail is engaged AND you have 'wiggle room' below the tool holder, then this is the one for you.

The BXA will still start at the same place on the compound rest, and will have most of the adjustment on the top. BXA could be used, but it is overkill for your lathe. I have an AXA on an 11/13" lathe and it is more than rigid enough for my lathe.

I have a similar setup on my 10x22 lathe with an AXA holder. With some tools the holder sat a pinch too high. My compound slide had a raised boss area where the post mounted so I just turned that down a bit. I think I could have also milled a pinch off the bottom of the tool holder itself to accomplish the same thing. The AXA tool post is NOT the weak link in my lathe, and is plenty heavy enough.

Don

 

[Jwest7788]

Thanks guys. Your insight truly is invaluable to me. AXA is it.


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[PeterT]

What's going on with your handle JW? How does that not go Clunk on feed rotation?

 

[DPittman]

Ha ha,sharp eyes there Peter! I didn't notice that. I'm guessing it's a temporary thing while not using the lathe just to make more room???. Ya know, those of us with little lathes often have pretty cramped quarters to work in.

Don

 

[Jwest7788]

What's going on with your handle JW? How does that not go Clunk on feed rotation?

Haha nice catch. This is actually someone else's machine, same model, with an AXA. Not mine!

This guy clearly was selling it, not using it. Lol


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[kylemp]

IDK if you ordered already but I would check the toolholder dimensions and make sure that your tools will be below centerline with whatever you order.. some people who have ordered toolposts that were not the right size have had to trim their cross slides or build an adapter to get it over far enough to be able to hit center on the workpiece.

 

[buckbrush]

there is a fair difference in prices for tool holders between the AXA and the BXA.

 

[Dabbler]

+1 to Buckbrush's comment. AXAs at BB are @20, shars at $12. BXA at shars are $22+. IF you can afford double the toolholder price, and BXA fists, then go for it. AXA has stood well in my 12" lathe, however. No plans for an upgrade here.

 

[buckbrush]

Amazon.ca has bxa tool and boring holders for $20.00 Kanadian and free shipping if you are a Prime member.

 

[PeterT]

...which is really funny because the same thing works out to $40.84 including shipping via Ebay from the same company (Accusize) in Canada. Now that's a head scratcher if its actually fulfilled by the same company. Anyway, pays to check around & I love my Prime!