A2ZCNC's QCTP - Good, Bad, or So-So?

GBCues

GBCues

Damn, still .002 TIR!
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For those of you using A2ZCNC's QCTP on your Taig-based lathe - what is your opinion of them?

Thanks

Gary
 
Great addition that makes things easy to set up height wise versus shimming. Also changing out tools.....
 
GBCues said:
For those of you using A2ZCNC's QCTP on your Taig-based lathe - what is your opinion of them?

Thanks

Gary
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I like mine alot, makes tool changing quick and easy. The only negative is that the carriage and crosslide will not fit in my box for storage with the QCTP attached.
 
I like it.
Boring seems to loosen the piston though
I would never go back to the old tool posts!!
I have one that Preston was selling, it's a bit better quality but boring loosens it too.
 
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cuejo said:
I like it.
Boring seems to loosen the piston though
I would never go back to the old tool posts!!
I have one that Preston was selling, it's a bit better quality but boring loosens it too.
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I agree with cuejo about the boring loosing the piston, which is a minor issue, but if you haven't bought one yet, you should consider the all steel body and holders QCTP I just got, it comes with 5 holders not 4 and it's only a bit more, when you factor the cost of the extra holder, they are about the same price.
The steel version is must more stable and observes almost all the vibration, which will totally eliminate the piston loosing up when boring like cuejo stated with the A2Z model. In addition the locking feature is not piston it's dovetail wedge, which is also another improvement and a much better locking mechanism.
Check them out.
QCTP with 5 holders $130
Mounting base for Taig, Porper B, or any othe cue lathe or mini lathes. $22
Cut off blade $20
A2Z pricing
QCTP with 4 holders and Taig mounting base $110
Extra holder $18
Cut off blade $20
Total $148
So the price difference is only $24, well worth it in my opinion

Best Regards
Bassel
Custom Cue Lathes
248-884-4469

Ps: Either QCTP would be a great addition to your lathe, and like most of the guys said, once you use one, you will never go back to the standard holder.
 
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That is a very nice looking tool post!
If I didnt already have one on each lathe I would definitely be interested.
 
I'm having a hard time understanding what it is about boring that causes problems? How is the force different from any other tool/action?
 
I've never had any trouble with the piston coming loose. I did have the threads strip out of the aluminum, mounting base, so I had a new one made with steel threads instead of aluminum and its been trouble free ever since.

Joe
 
snipershot said:
I've never had any trouble with the piston coming loose. I did have the threads strip out of the aluminum, mounting base, so I had a new one made with steel threads instead of aluminum and its been trouble free ever since.

Joe
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The screw seems a bit short that goes into the aluminum base, it has less than 1/4 inch of thread that goes into the base. I got a bolt that was 1/4 inch longer and have had no problems.

I cored 7 forearms a few months ago and did not have any problems with the QCTP getting loose.
 
snipershot said:
I've never had any trouble with the piston coming loose. I did have the threads strip out of the aluminum, mounting base, so I had a new one made with steel threads instead of aluminum and its been trouble free ever since.

Joe
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I'm not sure why it gets loose
Maybe I have the boring bar misaligned
I kinda think it's a design flaw with the small quick change posts though.
Both my small ones come loose on the boring bar.
My big lathe doesn't though.....
I bet Bassell's with the wedge would be better though.
 
For what it is worth, I prefer the Italian type with the closing cam over center action.
I have never known this type to come loose no matter what type of holder is in place or action it is subject to.
Another hint to boring bars, if you are using bars in excess of 5/8 inch diameter, is to by the vibration dampened or tuned tooling. There is a lot less vibration and the cutting inserts and surface finishes have greatly improved life.
I do have an A2Z I got from Chris years ago and have not noticed an issues with my one. But switched it to the Italian style that was on my metal lathe to keep all tool holders and tooling to the one set holder height for easy interchangeability with the various lathes that I now have.
With the size cutting that is being done on a cue lathe, I have not noticed the difference between the lighter alloy tool holder to the heavier steel one that is now on the lathe.
 
I also have one on my lathe, it came with the lathe when I bought it used. I've also got two of the standard gold tool post I bought from Chris when I first got the lathe, I don't think I've used the regular gold tool posts but maybe 2 or 3 times since I bought the lathe. I love the quick change, I just need to get a few more tool holders and I'll be set.
 
LOTS of replies and good information.

Thanks VERY MUCH Guys!!

Gary

P.S. The reason I posted this is that A2Z has a sale on their QCTP+6 holders through Tuesday - if you're not on their mailing list, PM me for the info.
 
I have two of their toolposts. One is much older than the other. The first one, the oldest, is great. The second one I went with the non-anodized finish, and I wasn't as happy with it. The piston tends to stay out when releasing a tool holder, so I have to push the piston in, before a new holder will seat correctly. A PIA, most times.
Just my experiance,
Dave
 
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