A machinist would not be able to buy the steel for the AXA tool holders, for the price of buying them ready made. You would also need to buy the set screws, the long screw, and the two height stop knobs. And the commercial ones are also heat treated (well,
some of them, anyway).?
Go to eBay and buy your tool bit holders for 10-12 bucks a pop and rejoyce.?
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How about buying a milling attachment for your lathe, then you can make your own holders.? As you stated, that is what a machinist would DO.
I started out with a "rocker" style tool post.? It work but would often catch the bit and move it off center.? When I managed to get one of the 4 sided posts, I thot it was a wonder.? But after a while, it got very tiresome to put a bit in and
shim it to the right height, and for each bit having to do this. Putting "4" bits in at once usually did not work.
When I managed to get hold of the Aloris style tool post I was simply amazed at how well it work, how easy it was to change a tool--and it was pre-set to the right height.? The only problem was having a separate holder for each tool.??
Well . . . .? There is a solution--you can make one.? Or you could buy a cheapo Chinese one.? That's what I would do.? Look into Shars in the USA, but you were talking Lbs not USD so most likely your are in Britain.? I'm sure there must be a
cheapo sales company in Britain.? If it were me, and I had access to milling capability, I would make one--lots of fun to make your own tools.? After all, that's what machining is:? Making a tool to make a tool to make a final piece.? Done it many times.
I bought a bundle of the slide on tool holders but as every machinist knows, you never have enough tools, so I will get around to making more.? I have a good supply of the right type of steel for making the holders.
