The Home Machinist!

Like everyone I have ever asked I would like to add to my BXA collection. The Aloris BXA 16 is around $100 on ebay.... Give or take...

Since it is a double end insert holder is it more useful than buying 2 BXA 1 holders and the accompanying insert tooling?

I would like hear from the voice of experince...

I have never used one as I primarily just use a turning/facing tool which saves a tool change.

I generally would do just as Glenn suggests. And if you've got the machine to run it, the CNM family of inserts are cheap, plentiful, and hold up very well. Insert holders are also common and reasonably priced. I prefer the Kennametal style that Glenn posted.

If you can't run the CN inserts, then the old school TPG inserts bight server you well, and are also cheap and (for now) plentiful, though pretty fragile. And of course, HSS is an option.

I have the block you are asking about in CXA. It just happened to come with a smoking deal on an Aloris CXA post (with half a dozen blocks). I do use it for light high speed slow shallow finish cuts when the CNM isn't suitable, or when for whatever reason I don't like or can't use other options, but mostly it just gathers dust. Then again, I have a few hundred CNM inserts in a variety of profiles, and a 17" 7.5 HP 2k rpm lathe.

So I wouldn't go out of my way to get one, and sure wouldn't pay $100 to do so. If I wanted that option, I would get a couple of good old school Kennametal TPG holders with carbide anvils/supports and chip breakers (I don't think the Aloris chip breaker is carbide OR replaceable?). Generally can be had less $20 each.

I have 3 of them for my CXA tool post.
They are my go to for most of my common work needs. I think they are rigid and useful and live up to the name quick change, but YMMV.

[quote="GlennW"]I /quote]

I hope you are safe from Irma's path. If not, get out while you can.

Check out tool holders on Banggood.com. They are cheap and perform well. I like WNMG inserts for roughing. 6 edges available on each insert. I use CCMTand CCGX for finishing.

We have a couple for our CXA setup also in two lathes at work. Rigidity is their strong point, great for heavy cuts.