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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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 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