Newbie- AxA upgrade help...(HF 8x12)

[firestorm1284]

I can understand your frustration, particularly if the site at that time did not mention that those two holes were not drilled and tapped. All I'm saying is that it really isn't possible for LMS to drill and tap those holes for you because of the way they make the lathes at the factory. It really wasn't bad though to drill and tap the holes. I just put the rest on the lathe, aligned the two pieces and used a hand drill to mark the spots. Then I put the rest in my mini mill, drilled the holes and tapped them. It is surprisingly soft material, tapped very easily.

Hope this helps!

It is funny we are all from Wisco!

[xl97]

I understand/agree..

but I even talked to Chris..emails..etc and was told 'directly bolt on replacement'..

over & over....etc..

I was doing some heavy research about going the LMS route or the LM route for getting an AxA for specific for the 8x12 (as they sell/market them them)

I mean mines all done...etc (this thread was over 5 months old) LOL

but if one didnt have the needed tools, one couldnt do it. and being marketed (then) as a direct bolt on..no mods needed.. well sorta mis-leading. IMHO.


BUt its fine now..and people are aware.. however I think this will ultimately turn people towards the LM approach instead of the LMS one.



oh yeah.. GO CHEESEHEADS! hahaha

[firestorm1284]

Yes, that would have pissed me off too. I didn't realize you had talked to Chris and he told you it was bolt on. I've got mine set up now, but the center bolt of my tool post is too long. I tried putting washers on it to make up the difference but I'm not very happy with it. Was your fit good?

[xl97]

he informed that I needed to drill when all was said and done..

he was very cool though (no doubt).. he said give it a try (drill & tap) and if it dont work..he'd refund it..so it was win/win I guess..lol

besides LMS was the only company that even returned my emails..LatheMaster totally ignored me.. (lost sale I guess)

I got the AxA as well as the modified compound rest specifically for the 8x12..

I think I used the stock bolt... removed the base plate from the bottom of the AxA 'block'..

threaded it in.

I was hoping things would be as rigid as the stock 'qctp' (4 holder).. but I think I am getting a little more flex now (not so much noticable until I part..which I have to do in reverse and from the bottom)..