What to Look for When Buying Used Aloris Tooling
Aloris tooling is built to outlast the machines it is mounted on, and clean used sets perform like new for decades. A few focused checks tell you almost everything about a used post or holder.
Inspect the dovetail surfaces on the post and every holder. The angled dovetails give Aloris its repeatability and are precision-ground at the factory. Look for nicks, galling, burrs, or peening from a past crash. Light cosmetic marks are fine, but a holder that no longer seats flat and tight will not return to the same height.
Test the wedge and locking handle. On a wedge-type post the handle should throw with firm, positive resistance and clamp the holder solid with no lift. A handle that spins loosely, a stripped worm, or a gib that will not draw the holder tight all point to internal wear.
Check the height adjustment on each holder. The knurled top nut and adjusting screw should turn freely and hold their setting under a cut. Frozen, gritty, or stripped adjusters are the most common problem on neglected holders.
Confirm it is genuine Aloris and the correct size series. Genuine Aloris is stamped with the Aloris name and holder style number. Make sure the post and holders are the same size series, since an AXA holder will not fit a BXA post. Confirm the mounting stud, nut, and any shims are present and fit your lathe's compound.
Aloris Tool Post & Holder Guide
Wedge-Type Quick Change Tool Posts
The wedge-type post is the design Aloris pioneered and is still best known for. A worm-and-gib mechanism locks the holder across the full length of the dovetail, which is why wedge posts are preferred for interrupted cuts and heavier turning. Sizes follow lathe swing: the AXA fits up to about a 10-inch swing, the BXA covers 12 to 15 inches, and the CXA covers 13 to 18 inches. The larger CA, DA, and EA serve toolroom and production lathes up through 25-inch-and-larger machines, and the miniature MA fits jewelers' and second-operation lathes.
Turning, Facing & Boring Holders
The everyday holders are the No. 1 turning and facing holder and the No. 2 boring, turning, and facing holder, both in oversize (S) versions for larger shanks. Boring uses the No. 4 and No. 41 split-bushing holders and the heavy-duty No. 4D set-screw style, and the No. 10 handles knurling, facing, and turning. These make up the core of most used Aloris sets.
Parting, Threading & Specialty Holders
The No. 7 cut-off holder (and reversible No. 7R for rear parting) carries the classic Aloris parting blade, with the No. 71 and No. 77 for cut-off and grooving. Threading uses the No. 8 series, including the adjustable dual-insert No. 88. Specialty holders include the No. 80 diamond turning tool and the No. 115 profiling holder.
Collet, Morse Taper & Drilling Holders
Aloris turns the post into a light second-operation station with the No. 5C collet holder, the No. 5, 53, 54, and 55 Morse taper holders, the No. 44 breech-loading taper sockets, and the No. 35 drill chuck holder, letting an operator drill, ream, and tap on center right from the tool post.
Indexable Tool Posts & the Q System for CNC
The Aloris indexable tool post uses heat-treated, precision-ground face gears for 24-position indexing at 15-degree steps and locks up to four holders at once, a real gain on manual and CNC lathes alike. The Q System qualified holders, in CA and DA sizes, present parallel and square working surfaces for the tool-offset accuracy that CNC turning centers require.
How to Sell Your Used Aloris Tooling
Aloris holds its value better than almost any tooling on the market. It is made in the USA from hardened steel, interchangeable across generations, and demand for complete sets and the popular AXA, BXA, and CXA sizes stays strong.
Resell CNC buys used Aloris tooling, complete sets, and mixed lots nationwide.
- Contact us: call (844) 478-8181 or email sales@resellcnc.com.
- Tell us what you have: post sizes, holder styles, quantity, and a few photos.
- Accept the offer: pack it up and ship it out, and we keep the process simple.
Frequently Asked Questions About Used Aloris Tooling
Are used Aloris tool posts reliable?
Yes. Aloris is the originator of quick change tooling, made in the USA from hardened, precision-ground alloy steel. A well-kept post and holder set performs like new for decades, which is why used Aloris stays in strong demand and holds its value.
Which Aloris tool post size do I need?
Match the post to your lathe's swing: the AXA fits up to about a 10-inch swing, the BXA 12 to 15 inches, and the CXA 13 to 18 inches. The CA, DA, and EA serve larger lathes, and the MA fits jewelers' lathes. Call (844) 478-8181 with your lathe model if unsure.
What is the difference between wedge-type and piston-type tool posts?
A piston-type post clamps with a single pin, while the Aloris wedge-type post drives a gib that locks the holder across the full dovetail. The wedge grips more surface area, so it gives greater rigidity and repeatability, especially on interrupted cuts and heavier turning. Aloris is best known for the wedge type.
What should I inspect on a used Aloris tool post?
Check the ground dovetails on the post and holders for nicks or galling, work the locking handle to confirm a firm clamp, and make sure each holder's height adjustment turns freely and holds. Confirm the pieces are genuine Aloris and the same size series, since series do not interchange.
Do older Aloris holders still fit newer tool posts?
Yes, within the same size series. Aloris has kept its dovetail dimensions consistent for decades, so an AXA holder fits any AXA post and a BXA fits any BXA post, new or vintage.
Can I use Aloris tooling on a CNC lathe?
Yes. Alongside the manual-lathe favorites, the Aloris indexable tool post and Q System qualified holders are built for CNC turning, with fast, repeatable tool changes and the offset accuracy CNC work requires. Many shops run Aloris on both manual and CNC lathes.
Does Resell CNC offer financing?
Yes. Resell CNC offers flexible financing options on equipment purchases, and tooling packages can be included when you buy a machine through us. Contact us at (844) 478-8181 to discuss terms.
How do I sell my used Aloris tooling?
Contact Resell CNC at (844) 478-8181 or sales@resellcnc.com. We buy Aloris quick change tool posts, holder sets, and mixed lots nationwide. Tell us what you have for a fair, no-obligation quote.