Multi fix tool post

[Dave CParticipant @davec87625]

Hi again chaps.

I am considering buying a new tool post for my Harrison M300 and have been looking at the multi fix ( Copies ) type tool post. They are not cheap by any means but I am looking at this as hopefully a life long investment. I have a cheap Dickson type tool post on at the minute but I am not overly impressed with it to be honest.

There is also the Aloris type which is of interest in particular the wedge type rather than piston type. I am having difficulty finding a UK supplier for these though.

Does anybody out there have any experience of either type or could offer some advice please. I appreciate they are expensive but like I say I intend to get a lifetimes use from it.

Any help or advice would be very welcome.

Regards to all

Dave

[Dave CParticipant @davec87625]

[jonathan heppelParticipant @jonathanheppel43280]

I have a multifix and I love it. Having 40 positions instead of 2 or 4 gives a huge boost to flexibility and you'll find you don't need so many holders. Chamfers are easy- just index the tool round. If you cut screws with an angled top slide you don't need to reset the post. Setting tool height is a doddle- index it round to the tailstock centre. There is also the obsolete and rare hss holder that has rake built into it for toolbits (if you can find one). The cylindrical bar holder is ideal for an auxiliary spindle for pcd's etc. They are also super rigid.

While they are a bit of a luxury, there aren't any similar luxuries that you'll have in such constant use.

I can't comment on the copies but I think Rotagrip are trustworthy.

[Clive HartlandParticipant @clivehartland94829]

I will endorse that comment as I used these holders for many years in my work at leica. The many variations of holder and the adaptability to suit each need is very good. The system lends itself to boring bars and threadcutting with special holders for various cutters. They come in several sizes so make sure you get the set that is right for your machine.

Clive

[Sub MandrelParticipant @submandrel]

My home made QCTP features infinite 'rotary adjustment' so it must be much better

Actually, It wouldn't be too hard to set it up on the RT and mill a ring of detents. under it. 40 might be pushing it but 12 certainly, or east the arc of six or so useful ones.

Neil

[S.D.L.Participant @s-d-l]

Posted by Dave C on 13/01/2014 12:13:46:

Hi again chaps.

Does anybody out there have any experience of either type or could offer some advice please. I appreciate they are expensive but like I say I intend to get a lifetimes use from it.

Any help or advice would be very welcome.

Regards to all

Dave

Hi.

I got a multifix type from here for my Colchester student as I was unhappy with the genuine Dickson flexing and digging in when parting with a sandvik blade

**LINK**

when they advertised on ebay. I contacted them and asked for a price with extra holders. The service was first class and the product was ace. Parting is a breeze now even in 316 stst. Was so pleased I got a smaller set for my myford but that lathe isn't working yet.

I had to pay about £30 customs clearance when they arrived in uk.

No connections just very pleased

Steve

[Dave CParticipant @davec87625]

Thanks for the advise folks.

I will be buying a new tool post soon hopefully

Thanks again to all

Dave

[JC Uknz 1Participant @jcuknz1]

My asian Honden lathe came with a four sided holder which swivels on the securing bolt in the crossslide but I was impressed at the usefulness of a three sided holder which a fellow club member made which holds tool out of the way better than the usual four sided holder. But if you only have a lathe it is hard to 'make things' to 'make life easier'. Shades of LBSC with his breadknife hacksaw as child..

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