Quick change tool post holders

[1oldtimer]

I know Aloris is the best, but they're pretty spendy. I didn't want to go with an overseas copy, so I found and old Enco QC-35 or a Armstrong QC-5. Which one is better and can one still find tool holders for either.


Enco style

Armstrong style

 

[dr_clyde]

Personally, I would go with Armstrong. They have a reputation as a top notch industrial brand and are reliable, strong and American made.

Enco stuff is hit or miss. I've used some really good stuff and some really crappy stuff.

 

[1oldtimer]

Are the tool holders interchangeable or are they Armstrong only.

 

[lametec]

Armstrong is compatible with Aloris (and clones) tool holders. I'm not sure what size Aloris holder will fit the Armstrong QC-5, though.

Edit: QC-4 is AXA/100 size, so theoretically, QC-5 would be BXA/200 size.

What size is your lathe?

 

[1oldtimer]

an old 9" and it's just for hobby type use.

 

[A_Pmech]

an old 9" and it's just for hobby type use.

I'm not sure I'd even bother with a quick change tool post on one of those. A lantern tool post and some cheap Armstrong holders will do all you need and be easier to work with.

 

[WWIIjeep]

Enco stuff is hit or miss. I've used some really good stuff and some really crappy stuff.

Enco is now almost exclusively an importer. At one time, most of their products were USA-made and of very good quality--some as good as anything else available at the time.

That Enco tool post is old--probably from the early 1960s. It's very good quality, but the tool holders don't interchange with standard Aloris tool posts, nor with the import clones.

 

[Grigg]

I have 4 or 5 Aloris tool post and thought they were/are the best.

I also have a few Dorian brand tool post at work and I'm not sure if they're just as good as Aloris or better, they are also very nice and interchangeable.
http://www.doriantool.com/

 

[Steevo]

I bought a set from these guys for my 12x36 Atlas lathe, and it works very well.
For yours, the AXA size would be a good fit.
http://www.tools4cheap.net/proddetail.php?prod=piston

 

[lametec]

an old 9" and it's just for hobby type use.

BXA/200 is on the big side for a 9" lathe. You should be looking at AXA/100 size.

Here's Aloris' recommendation for a range of different lathes: http://www.aloris.com/aloris-cat/#page/31

 

[1oldtimer]

I just pulled the images off the internet, but your right I need the AXA style. So an older Enco is good IF it comes with some holders, an Armstrong is better and the Aloris/100 holders will fit. Aloris is top if I can find one in my price range. If I can find a good used QC it will be less headache then to piece together the lantern.

I did find a Armstrong tech sheet on ebay.