Review - Bostar QCTP
Bostar AXA QCTP (Quick Change Tool Post)
{Nov. 16, 2015]
I purchased this QCTP for my 9x20 lathe from Ebay for $135 (Oct. 2015). Note that this is a piston type QCTP; there is also an almost identical wedge type, so if you are purchasing be sure to get the model you prefer. The QCTP came with all of the tool holders pictured above:
- cutting tool holder (qty 4)
- Parting tool holder (qty 1)
- knurling tool (qty 1)
- boring bar holder (qty 1)
Currently I have limited experience with this particular tool, as I just recently purchased it. However, my initial impression is that it is a solidly built tool; in my brief initial testing it held the tool holders and cutting tools firmly. I expect the tool to perform good service, and I am happy with my purchase.
Here are the accessories in more detail:
Mounting Post
Mounting post (on its side)
Mounting post disassembled. The thread on the left is M14-1.5, the thread on the right is M14-2.0
The mounting post has a diameter of 13.75 mm and a length of 115.3 mm.
Cutting Tool Holder
The cutting tool holder use an M10-1.0 x 46 mm for the height adjusting post, and M8-1.25 x 20 mm set screws for the tool clamping screws. In the picture to the left, one clamping screw has been removed in order to show the complete screw. There are four clamping screws per tool holder.
Boring Tool Holder
In the picture to the left, the boring tool holder has been disassembled to show the bar clamping components. The clamping arrangement includes two socket head screws (M6-1.0 x 19.5 mm) and two special purpose nuts, together with a slit tube (internal diameter 16 mm). In use the two screws are tightened to squeeze the tube and thus clamp onto the boring bar.
Naturally, none of my boring bars fit this holder, but it was a simple matter to make an adapter to fit my smaller diameter boring bars.
Knurling Tool
The knurling tool is very basic. An interesting feature is that the end opposite the knurls can be used as a cutting tool holder.
PartingTool Holder
Cut-off tool holder
Cut-off tool holder - disassembled
The parting tool holder appears to be be designed to hold basic parting tools, with no provision made for P-type cut off tools. It may be possible to machine a groove to enable use of P-type cut off tools, but I have note yet tried this. Alternatively, I may purchase some carbide insert type parting tools.