Gunsmithing Tool Holders, Name Brand vs. Knock Offs?

[Dennis_in_VA]

I have a lathe at my beck and call but no tool holders of my own (lathe belongs to a friend that lets me practice).

I don't have the cash to buy authentic Aloris tool holders so I have been looking at purchasing a couple of the knock offs.

Are there any that you would recommend?

I'm looking for a couple of CXA #1 and #2 holders right now.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Mgordon]

Re: Tool Holders, Name Brand vs. Knock Offs?

Obviously the best out there are the Aloris and Dorian. With that being said they are pricey, but can be found on ebay and other online stores.

I have used some knock off brands. They are definetely not built as nice and are not as repeatable as the original tool holders.

Hopefully you are running a Wedge type tool post. If your using a piston type, it will be very sensitive to the type of tool holders you are using. Some will fit, and others will be too small due to the fixed dovetail of your tool post.

I have used a company called "Small tools Inc." in Euclid, Ohio. They carry so much used tooling and its pretty cheap. I can forward you their contact info if you wish.

Good luck.

Mark

 

[Shane C.]

Re: Tool Holders, Name Brand vs. Knock Offs?

Phase II.

Pretty good copy at a better price. Stud and screws are soft but useable, the block itself is pretty good.

http://metalworking.mscdirect.com/CGI/MWSRCH?N=2012605

Enco has them as well.

 

[Dennis_in_VA]

Re: Tool Holders, Name Brand vs. Knock Offs?

Mark, send the info.

PM if you need to.

My friends lathe does have an Aloris wedge type tool post.

Thanks for the help.

 

[300sniper]

Re: Tool Holders, Name Brand vs. Knock Offs?

i use the phaseII tool holders and am happy with them except for the set-screws. those can easily and cheaply be replaced though. when i need more holders, i will probably buy another kit when enco has them on sale, keep the holders and ditch the tool post or sell it on ebay.

 

[duke54]

Re: Tool Holders, Name Brand vs. Knock Offs?

KDK

 

[Dennis_in_VA]

Re: Tool Holders, Name Brand vs. Knock Offs?

KDK?

Brand, Vendor?

 

[GasLight]

Re: Tool Holders, Name Brand vs. Knock Offs?

I have a knock off set, and the set screws suck. I can only change tooling so many times and they round off. But like said above, they are easily replaced. I have a wedge style post, but haven't installed it yet, am using a piston style, and I have to reset every time I use them. I would like to get aloris at some point, because I know they must be better material, but for now, the extra work is worth the savings for me.

 

[duke54]

Re: Tool Holders, Name Brand vs. Knock Offs?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dennis_in_VA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">KDK?

Brand, Vendor? </div></div>www.kdktools.com and you wil never need another.trust me

 

[Mgordon]

Re: Tool Holders, Name Brand vs. Knock Offs?

Small Tools Inc..

http://www.smalltools.com/

1800 821 2674

Ask for Tim.



Mark

 

[AJ_Goddard]

Re: Tool Holders, Name Brand vs. Knock Offs?

There are two styles one works off a wedge that pulls the tool holder into the post. This is very solid and accurate. The other is a piston which pushes the tool holder away from the post. I have had issues with accuracy and rigidity with the piston type. Although I would take either over the old rocker style, or the turret post found on older lathes. I personally prefer an Aloris or copy there of over the KDK or other designs, their holders are allot of times interchangable with the Aloris and they are very versatile and fast.

 

[DAVETOOLEY]

Re: Tool Holders, Name Brand vs. Knock Offs?

Ditto on recommending E Bay. When I got my Haas I picked up a like new Aloris CXA tool post for $185 and got 6 CXA toolholders, and some insert holders for another $325. I've found nothing wrong with off brand toolholders. I can't recommend the piston type as they don't return to zero well. That may not make a difference to you but it does to me with a CNC machine. Buy quality tooling and you can't go wrong.