Import BXA toolpost experience
 

"Bill Noble" wrote:

the imports are "OK" but you can usually get used Aloris for the price of
the import - I find that the real thing is much more consistent and
stronger - I replaced my import with a real Aloris, and I generally avoid
the import holders too unless I find a pile really really cheap -


Do you run into used BXA Aloris posts often?

My Clausing 6903 sports a Genuine Aloris AXA post but that is a bit small given the 3 HP
and working varidrive.

I'd love to have a decent used BXA Aloris w/o paying near oem prices. I'm holding off on
expanding my tool holder collection based on knowing I'm using a too small post.

Wes

Import BXA toolpost experience
 

On 2010-05-18, Wes wrote:
"Bill Noble" wrote:

the imports are "OK" but you can usually get used Aloris for the price of
the import - I find that the real thing is much more consistent and
stronger - I replaced my import with a real Aloris, and I generally avoid
the import holders too unless I find a pile really really cheap -


Do you run into used BXA Aloris posts often?

I don't know about him, but *I* don't -- except at insane prices
on eBay.

I've seen one really old BXA sized toolpost by Aloris -- made
back when they still made piston style toolposts, for about $100.00.
This was at Cabin Fever.

I *bought* a used (but in very good condition) Dorian toolpost
(BXA sized) for $100.00, and am using that in place of the Phase-II
Wedge which I have several years of use on. This one I picked up at a
meeting of our local metalworking group -- where at least one member
shows up with a lot of used tooling, sometimes something which I can't
resist such as the Dorian toolpost.

My Clausing 6903 sports a Genuine Aloris AXA post but that is a bit small given the 3 HP
and working varidrive.

Yes -- it would be better with a BXA size.

I'd love to have a decent used BXA Aloris w/o paying near oem prices. I'm holding off on
expanding my tool holder collection based on knowing I'm using a too small post.

I would suggest that you make the initial step by buying the
Phase-II wedge style Series 200 (BXA sized) toolpost, and a few of the
corresponding holders (plan on replacing the setscrews which hold the
tools), and keep waiting for luck with genuine Aloris. This will let
you buy genuine Aloris holders as you find them, and use them with the
Phase-II toolpost until you get the Genuine Aloris or perhaps (as I did)
the Dorian. With the Dorian, I suspect that I will not keep looking for
a genuine Aloris toolpost. The Dorian is at least equal quality, if a
somewhat different (but just as good) locking system as the wedge style
Aloris. Both are *vastly* better than the piston style posts in my
opinion.

Some holders from Aloris tend to go used on eBay for prices just
a few percent below what MSC sells them for new, so for those, I bite
the bullet and buy new. I never felt that strongly about the toolpost
itself, once I had the Phase-II working for me on my Clausing, so I
collected a good supply of various genuine Aloris tool holders, many
used, but a few new. One of the most interesting genuine Aloris used
ones which I got was a knurling tool which had two arms sticking out
above and below the workpiece which traveled on a vertical dovetail with
a leadscrew connecting them -- left hand thread at one end, right hand
at the other so the arms remained centered once you set the height
correctly the first time. A *lot* better than the bump style, knurlers,
even in genuine Aloris. This is a scissors style knurler made the way
they *should* have been made from the beginning. :-)

Good Luck,
DoN.

--
Email: | Voice (all times): (703) 938-4564
(too) near Washington D.C. | http://www.d-and-d.com/dnichols/DoN.html
--- Black Holes are where God is dividing by zero ---

Import BXA toolpost experience
 

"DoN. Nichols" wrote:

I would suggest that you make the initial step by buying the
Phase-II wedge style Series 200 (BXA sized) toolpost, and a few of the
corresponding holders (plan on replacing the setscrews which hold the
tools), and keep waiting for luck with genuine Aloris. This will let
you buy genuine Aloris holders as you find them, and use them with the
Phase-II toolpost until you get the Genuine Aloris or perhaps (as I did)
the Dorian. With the Dorian, I suspect that I will not keep looking for
a genuine Aloris toolpost. The Dorian is at least equal quality, if a
somewhat different (but just as good) locking system as the wedge style
Aloris. Both are *vastly* better than the piston style posts in my
opinion.

I'm going to get a BXA in a wedge soon. I happen to have some aloris and Yuasa holders
that were part of the lathe deal. The seller didn't realize they didn't fit.

The Phase II sounds like a good bet. If it doesn't measure up, I send it back until I get
a good one.

Darn unexpected expenses are killing me at the moment. Having had a long term job fall
out from under me once (bankruptcy), I'm very leary of dipping into savings for something
non-essential. One time experiencing a job loss in a bad economy (2001) in a state that
has not been doing well was enough for me. My idea of cash reserves moved up 2X after
that one and I rode out 8 months of no decent work.


Wes
--
"Additionally as a security officer, I carry a gun to protect
government officials but my life isn't worth protecting at home
in their eyes." Dick Anthony Heller

Import BXA toolpost experience
 

Wes -

Remember the A to BXA is height and sqare size. Minimum center might be
an issue.

Martin - owner of an Aloris AXA set.


Martin H. Eastburn
@ home at Lions' Lair with our computer lionslair at consolidated dot net
"Our Republic and the Press will Rise or Fall Together": Joseph Pulitzer
TSRA: Endowed; NRA LOH & Patron Member, Golden Eagle, Patriot's Medal.
NRA Second Amendment Task Force Charter Charter Founder
IHMSA and NRA Metallic Silhouette maker & member. http://lufkinced.com/

On 5/18/2010 5:46 PM, Wes wrote:
"Bill wrote:

the imports are "OK" but you can usually get used Aloris for the price of
the import - I find that the real thing is much more consistent and
stronger - I replaced my import with a real Aloris, and I generally avoid
the import holders too unless I find a pile really really cheap -


Do you run into used BXA Aloris posts often?

My Clausing 6903 sports a Genuine Aloris AXA post but that is a bit small given the 3 HP
and working varidrive.

I'd love to have a decent used BXA Aloris w/o paying near oem prices. I'm holding off on
expanding my tool holder collection based on knowing I'm using a too small post.

Wes

Import BXA toolpost experience
 

my 12 inch Logan powermatic is right on the border of where the A size
should be replaced by the B size - sometimes I regret changing from the A to
B sized tool post, particularly when I have to let the holder drop down
below the compound to get the tool low enough. - this happens primarily with
the parting tool, when I have to cut over about 3/4 inch deep

"Martin H. Eastburn" wrote in message
...
Wes -

Remember the A to BXA is height and sqare size. Minimum center might be
an issue.

Martin - owner of an Aloris AXA set.


Martin H. Eastburn
@ home at Lions' Lair with our computer lionslair at consolidated dot net
"Our Republic and the Press will Rise or Fall Together": Joseph Pulitzer
TSRA: Endowed; NRA LOH & Patron Member, Golden Eagle, Patriot's Medal.
NRA Second Amendment Task Force Charter Charter Founder
IHMSA and NRA Metallic Silhouette maker & member. http://lufkinced.com/

On 5/18/2010 5:46 PM, Wes wrote:
"Bill wrote:

the imports are "OK" but you can usually get used Aloris for the price
of
the import - I find that the real thing is much more consistent and
stronger - I replaced my import with a real Aloris, and I generally
avoid
the import holders too unless I find a pile really really cheap -


Do you run into used BXA Aloris posts often?

My Clausing 6903 sports a Genuine Aloris AXA post but that is a bit small
given the 3 HP
and working varidrive.

I'd love to have a decent used BXA Aloris w/o paying near oem prices.
I'm holding off on
expanding my tool holder collection based on knowing I'm using a too
small post.

Wes

Import BXA toolpost experience
 

On Wed, 19 May 2010 18:45:52 -0400, Wes
wrote:


I'm going to get a BXA in a wedge soon. I happen to have some aloris and Yuasa holders
that were part of the lathe deal. The seller didn't realize they didn't fit.

Wes,

I have an Armstrong piston-type BXA that I'm not attached to if you
don't have your heart set on a wedge type post. It seems to be a cut
above the imports. I compared it to an Aloris on my 10EE before I sold
it and didn't notice any real difference. The guy who bought the lathe
wanted the Aloris BXA, so that's gone.

--
Ned Simmons

Import BXA toolpost experience
 

Ned Simmons wrote:

On Wed, 19 May 2010 18:45:52 -0400, Wes
wrote:


I'm going to get a BXA in a wedge soon. I happen to have some aloris and Yuasa holders
that were part of the lathe deal. The seller didn't realize they didn't fit.

Wes,

I have an Armstrong piston-type BXA that I'm not attached to if you
don't have your heart set on a wedge type post. It seems to be a cut
above the imports. I compared it to an Aloris on my 10EE before I sold
it and didn't notice any real difference. The guy who bought the lathe
wanted the Aloris BXA, so that's gone.

I have my heart set on a wedge. The design of a wedge looks more secure to me.

A screw driving a wedge. I like the looks of that.

My next buy is going to be a new computer in the near future since I'm sure the next
upgrade to Alibre isn't going to run on my w2k box. I upgraded my license so I have
motion now. Kinda slow on my current machine.

I am figuring the tool post to be a end of year purchase unless I work a lot of OT which I
try not to.

You had a 10EE and sold it? What did you replace it with? The guy I bought my Clausing
from was really into Monarch lathes. Seriously nice lathes.

Wes

Import BXA toolpost experience
 

On 2010-05-19, Wes wrote:
"DoN. Nichols" wrote:

I would suggest that you make the initial step by buying the
Phase-II wedge style Series 200 (BXA sized) toolpost, and a few of the
corresponding holders (plan on replacing the setscrews which hold the
tools), and keep waiting for luck with genuine Aloris. This will let
you buy genuine Aloris holders as you find them, and use them with the
Phase-II toolpost until you get the Genuine Aloris or perhaps (as I did)
the Dorian. With the Dorian, I suspect that I will not keep looking for
a genuine Aloris toolpost. The Dorian is at least equal quality, if a
somewhat different (but just as good) locking system as the wedge style
Aloris. Both are *vastly* better than the piston style posts in my
opinion.

I'm going to get a BXA in a wedge soon. I happen to have some aloris and Yuasa holders
that were part of the lathe deal. The seller didn't realize they didn't fit.

The Phase II sounds like a good bet. If it doesn't measure up, I send it back until I get
a good one.

Hmm ... I've got the BXA sized Phase-II which I retired in favor
of the Dorian. There was really nothing wrong with it, so if you are
interested, we could perhaps work out something.

Where are you located? I'm in Northern VA just a bit outside
the Washington DC Beltway.

Darn unexpected expenses are killing me at the moment. Having had a long term job fall
out from under me once (bankruptcy), I'm very leary of dipping into savings for something
non-essential. One time experiencing a job loss in a bad economy (2001) in a state that
has not been doing well was enough for me. My idea of cash reserves moved up 2X after
that one and I rode out 8 months of no decent work.

That hurts.

I'm retired (as is my wife), with the effective value of our
retirements decreasing every year (of course).

Good luck,
DoN.

--
Email: | Voice (all times): (703) 938-4564
(too) near Washington D.C. | http://www.d-and-d.com/dnichols/DoN.html
--- Black Holes are where God is dividing by zero ---

Import BXA toolpost experience
 

On Thu, 20 May 2010 17:52:33 -0400, Wes
wrote:

Ned Simmons wrote:

On Wed, 19 May 2010 18:45:52 -0400, Wes
wrote:


I'm going to get a BXA in a wedge soon. I happen to have some aloris and Yuasa holders
that were part of the lathe deal. The seller didn't realize they didn't fit.

Wes,

I have an Armstrong piston-type BXA that I'm not attached to if you
don't have your heart set on a wedge type post. It seems to be a cut
above the imports. I compared it to an Aloris on my 10EE before I sold
it and didn't notice any real difference. The guy who bought the lathe
wanted the Aloris BXA, so that's gone.

I have my heart set on a wedge. The design of a wedge looks more secure to me.

A screw driving a wedge. I like the looks of that.

My next buy is going to be a new computer in the near future since I'm sure the next
upgrade to Alibre isn't going to run on my w2k box. I upgraded my license so I have
motion now. Kinda slow on my current machine.

I'm in the same boat. The switch from Inventor to Solidworks has put a
strain on this box.


I am figuring the tool post to be a end of year purchase unless I work a lot of OT which I
try not to.

You had a 10EE and sold it? What did you replace it with? The guy I bought my Clausing
from was really into Monarch lathes. Seriously nice lathes.

A Taiwanese Feeler HLVH clone.
http://www.suscom-maine.net/~nsimmons/news/Feeler05.JPG

Not long after I finished fixing up the 10EE the Feeler fell into my
lap. They were too close in capability to give up the space for both.
I'd love to have a big Monarch, American Pacemaker, or Okuma, but
there's just no room.

--
Ned Simmons

Import BXA toolpost experience
 

Ned Simmons wrote:

A screw driving a wedge. I like the looks of that.

My next buy is going to be a new computer in the near future since I'm sure the next
upgrade to Alibre isn't going to run on my w2k box. I upgraded my license so I have
motion now. Kinda slow on my current machine.

I'm in the same boat. The switch from Inventor to Solidworks has put a
strain on this box.

You must be doing large assemblies. At work we have Solidworks 2007 and it seems to work
okay on limited platforms. I don't do much with it other than look at models of machines I
work on. The company runs some software called smart team which seems to limit how quick
we upgrade our solidworks software.




I am figuring the tool post to be a end of year purchase unless I work a lot of OT which I
try not to.


You had a 10EE and sold it? What did you replace it with? The guy I bought my Clausing
from was really into Monarch lathes. Seriously nice lathes.

A Taiwanese Feeler HLVH clone.
http://www.suscom-maine.net/~nsimmons/news/Feeler05.JPG

Definitely looks Hardinge like. Is that electric feed? Can you thread with it?

Not long after I finished fixing up the 10EE the Feeler fell into my
lap. They were too close in capability to give up the space for both.
I'd love to have a big Monarch, American Pacemaker, or Okuma, but

I'd love to have a lot of things. Like a big house and a Cessna 172 in the back yard
hanger facing my private air strip. A BXA wedge type tool post is far more likely, maybe
even an Aloris. :)

Wes

Import BXA toolpost experience
 

On Fri, 21 May 2010 18:51:42 -0400, Wes
wrote:

Ned Simmons wrote:

A screw driving a wedge. I like the looks of that.

My next buy is going to be a new computer in the near future since I'm sure the next
upgrade to Alibre isn't going to run on my w2k box. I upgraded my license so I have
motion now. Kinda slow on my current machine.

I'm in the same boat. The switch from Inventor to Solidworks has put a
strain on this box.

You must be doing large assemblies. At work we have Solidworks 2007 and it seems to work
okay on limited platforms. I don't do much with it other than look at models of machines I
work on. The company runs some software called smart team which seems to limit how quick
we upgrade our solidworks software.

It's the delays in loading commands, opening dialogs, etc., more than
the time it takes to update big assy's that's annoying me. Inventor
was very snappy on this machine. I get the feeling that SW has lot
more going on in the background.





I am figuring the tool post to be a end of year purchase unless I work a lot of OT which I
try not to.


You had a 10EE and sold it? What did you replace it with? The guy I bought my Clausing
from was really into Monarch lathes. Seriously nice lathes.

A Taiwanese Feeler HLVH clone.
http://www.suscom-maine.net/~nsimmons/news/Feeler05.JPG

Definitely looks Hardinge like. Is that electric feed? Can you thread with it?

It's a very faithful copy. The only apparent difference is that the
fasteners are metric. Threading is the same auto-reverse arrangement
as an HLVH.


Not long after I finished fixing up the 10EE the Feeler fell into my
lap. They were too close in capability to give up the space for both.
I'd love to have a big Monarch, American Pacemaker, or Okuma, but

I'd love to have a lot of things. Like a big house and a Cessna 172 in the back yard
hanger facing my private air strip. A BXA wedge type tool post is far more likely, maybe
even an Aloris. :)

But the frustrating thing is there are nice big lathes available for
less than what I got for the 10EE, if only I had the space. If there
were similar bargains around on sal****er farms I'd have one of them
instead. g

--
Ned Simmons

Import BXA toolpost experience
 

Ned Simmons wrote:


You must be doing large assemblies. At work we have Solidworks 2007 and it seems to work
okay on limited platforms. I don't do much with it other than look at models of machines I
work on. The company runs some software called smart team which seems to limit how quick
we upgrade our solidworks software.

It's the delays in loading commands, opening dialogs, etc., more than
the time it takes to update big assy's that's annoying me. Inventor
was very snappy on this machine. I get the feeling that SW has lot
more going on in the background.


What is the difference between Inventor and Mechanical Desktop? I believe both come from
Autodesk?

I'm fighting with a step file from MD2009 that shows features about 25.4x too small. I've
run the file though Alibre, SW 2007 and a trial version of CoCreate.

Wes

Import BXA toolpost experience
 

On Tue, 01 Jun 2010 17:29:52 -0400, Wes
wrote:

Ned Simmons wrote:


You must be doing large assemblies. At work we have Solidworks 2007 and it seems to work
okay on limited platforms. I don't do much with it other than look at models of machines I
work on. The company runs some software called smart team which seems to limit how quick
we upgrade our solidworks software.

It's the delays in loading commands, opening dialogs, etc., more than
the time it takes to update big assy's that's annoying me. Inventor
was very snappy on this machine. I get the feeling that SW has lot
more going on in the background.


What is the difference between Inventor and Mechanical Desktop? I believe both come from
Autodesk?

I'm fighting with a step file from MD2009 that shows features about 25.4x too small. I've
run the file though Alibre, SW 2007 and a trial version of CoCreate.

Mechanical Desktop is a kluge built on top of Autocad, Inventor was
built from the ground up as a 3D modeler. Autocad doesn't keep track
of units like most other CAD programs, and it seems likely that's the
root of your problem. Is there perhaps a default unit of length
setting in Alibre that, lacking specific units in the Desktop export,
is importing one unit of length as one mm rather than one inch?

What sort of file are you trying to import? (.dwg, .sat, .step, .iges,
etc.) Do you have Desktop available?

--
Ned Simmons

Import BXA toolpost experience
 

Ned Simmons wrote:

Mechanical Desktop is a kluge built on top of Autocad, Inventor was
built from the ground up as a 3D modeler. Autocad doesn't keep track
of units like most other CAD programs, and it seems likely that's the
root of your problem. Is there perhaps a default unit of length
setting in Alibre that, lacking specific units in the Desktop export,
is importing one unit of length as one mm rather than one inch?

What sort of file are you trying to import? (.dwg, .sat, .step, .iges,
etc.) Do you have Desktop available?

It is a step file. Both Solidworks 2007 (coompany) and my licensed copy of Alibre Expert
has the same issue.

If I force units in Alibre the design explodes as in all the details are separated by
about 25.4x.

We don't have a seat of inventor in the plant.

I put in a request to the design firm that built the cell to provide me with proper data.
I *think* we are on good terms though they lost their *ss on this project.

Wes


--
"Additionally as a security officer, I carry a gun to protect
government officials but my life isn't worth protecting at home
in their eyes." Dick Anthony Heller

Import BXA toolpost experience
 

On Sun, 06 Jun 2010 19:57:26 -0400, Wes
wrote:

Ned Simmons wrote:

Mechanical Desktop is a kluge built on top of Autocad, Inventor was
built from the ground up as a 3D modeler. Autocad doesn't keep track
of units like most other CAD programs, and it seems likely that's the
root of your problem. Is there perhaps a default unit of length
setting in Alibre that, lacking specific units in the Desktop export,
is importing one unit of length as one mm rather than one inch?

What sort of file are you trying to import? (.dwg, .sat, .step, .iges,
etc.) Do you have Desktop available?

It is a step file. Both Solidworks 2007 (coompany) and my licensed copy of Alibre Expert
has the same issue.

If I force units in Alibre the design explodes as in all the details are separated by
about 25.4x.

We don't have a seat of inventor in the plant.

If there are no confidentiality issues I'd be willing to try opening
the file with Inventor 2009 and SW 2010. I do have Desktop as well,
but not installed.


I put in a request to the design firm that built the cell to provide me with proper data.
I *think* we are on good terms though they lost their *ss on this project.

They (we) always say that. I'm in the middle of losing my ass 7 days a
week for the next six weeks so I don't have too work to hard for the
rest of the summer. g

--
Ned Simmons

Import BXA toolpost experience
 

Ned Simmons wrote:

We don't have a seat of inventor in the plant.

If there are no confidentiality issues I'd be willing to try opening
the file with Inventor 2009 and SW 2010. I do have Desktop as well,
but not installed.



Sadly, there is. I remember signing a bunch of papers saying keep our proprietary info to
yourself and your creative thoughts are ours even though we didn't hire you to think any
further than fixing a machine.

I do thank you for the very kind offer.


I put in a request to the design firm that built the cell to provide me with proper data.
I *think* we are on good terms though they lost their *ss on this project.

They (we) always say that. I'm in the middle of losing my ass 7 days a
week for the next six weeks so I don't have too work to hard for the
rest of the summer. g


Good for you but I'm pretty sure the automation firm did lose their butt on this one. They
were way late with a penalty clause. Since they do a lot of business with other facilites
in the corporate umbrella, they just had to suck it up a bit.


Wes