- Joined
- Jan 6, 2017
- Messages
- 1,214
Anyone with a solid tool post mount would embrace that idea. Now, we’re probably talking about a market size you can count on both hands?
I’m trying to think through whether having _XA tool holder compatibility with a Multifix QCTP is an interesting proposition in general with a conventional compound setup. Personally, I don’t like having to rotate the compound or twist the QCTP around to adjust tool lead angles - both actions require a tool in hand and are non-deterministic wrt the actual angle achieved unless you slap on an indicator and tap it in. I would prefer to leave the compound at 30 degrees (for threading) or 45 (for chamfering) and the QCTP at precisely 90 to the spindle axis for parting. So I see a Multifix as one way to achieve that specific setup while still being able to alter tool lead angles without having to reach for wrenches and an indicator continuously. But I have high inertia in switching because I have 40 BXA tool holders (probably $800 with shipping), plus I have a few highly prized indexable tools that have integral BXA mounts such as the Aloris 77, 71, 22, and Dorian 881 I wouldn’t want to give up. I also know a lot of people are reluctant to go Multifix because making their own tool holders is not practical. So on the surface, an Aloris _XA compatible Multifix sounds interesting. As a venture capitalist I see a marketing challenge with this idea - neither fish nor foul. I also don’t understand if such a setup would be inherently more or less accurate/repeatable or rigid. I’d need to see some analysis here.
30, 45 and 90 are certainly commonly used angles. I hadn't considered 45 degrees when i came up with 10 degree spline increments. 15 degree increments would hit all of those angles though.
I'm pretty doubtful as to any significant advantages in rigidity and repeatability. The primary advantage would be tool-less angle changes and maybe a little cool factor.
I'm not even sure its mechanically feasable yet. I started modeling parts and creating an assembly this morning, and so far the challenges have been pretty entertaining. I think i've solved the challenges with the magnitude and vectors of forces, to allow for cam/dovetail engagement, but I've yet to come up with a mechanism through which the BXA holders can interact with the splines in the wheel part. I was thinking some kind of spring loaded shear wedge/pin inside the face of the toolpost dovetail, to engage the bxa holder and interact with the splines on the wheel.
I have a slot there for now, temporarily, but ill come up with something. I also need to come up with some adjustments to the model to allow for proper interaction between the toolpost body and the bxa holders height adjusters.