"DoN. Nichols" wrote in message
...

As soon as you get them, pull the setscrews which come with
the holders and replace them with good USA made setscrews
of the same size. (IIRC, it is 8mm or perhaps 10mm for the
BXA size).

I'll second that motion! Btw, for a Phase-II BXA, the set screw size is
M10-1.5 x 20mm.


The reason for doing this is that the metallurgy of the screws
is probably the worst part, and you *really* don't want to have
the socket split out while it is clamped onto a tool

It's not just the metallurgy of the screws, but the way they are
manufactured. High-quality fasteners are forged (and have rolled threads);
the hex socket is formed during the forging process and is very strong and
made to close dimensional tolerances. On the other hand, the socket in cheap
socket head set screws are made by broaching a hole (a hex shaped anvil is
pressed into a round hole, cutting out the hex corners and forcing the
displaced metal into the bottom of the socket). This leaves a weak,
poorly-formed, and often sloppy socket. That is why they strip-out so
easily.

I agree with Don regarding the quality of genuine Phase-II tool holders.
They are certainly good enough for a home/small shop. But be sure to get the
wedge style (not the plunger style). There was a thread in this newsgroup
recently about the differences; do a Google groups search. Btw, Enco has the
Phase-II tool holder sets on sale all the time (and they are currently
offering free shipping).