AXA #1 XL Quick Change Tool Holder 250-101XL ZiN Coated

I have quite a few AXA sized tool holders, some that came with the tool post and some that were bought to add more tools. This is the best fit and finish of any that I've bought by a very wide margin. The additional capacity of the XL is perfect for adding larger tooling, so long as your lathe setup allows you to get the tool low enough to fit to the centerline. Some smaller lathes will not allow for this, so measure your lathe prior to purchase to be sure. You need a minimum of 5/8" from the bottom of the slot on one of your current tool holders to the centerline. If not, you will not be able to use the additional capacity of the XL size anyways.Will be buying more from this brand!One more caveat: If you have a piston style tool post, these may be a little loose fitting. If you have a wedge style tool post, there should be no problem. A piston style requires tight tolerance of the dovetail width since the piston pushes the holder away from the post. The further it has to push the holder out, the more slop there will be in the location. A wedge style post draws the holder into the post, so regardless of whether the width is a snug fit or a looser fit, the width will be taken up by the wedge and the tool will be accurately located. You can use this holder on either, but the width between dovetails is slightly wider than others I have and this will result in more tool height variance on a piston style, requiring more attention while tightening the holder into the post.

I have no negative to report, but I have been VERY happy with Shars, I only went Colton as they state “made in USA”. As soon as I opened these I saw the boxes showed “made in China”. If they didn’t say something untrue, I’d give 5 stars…

Will buy these when I need more instead of the cheaper alternatives.

Bought 2. One is good but the other has terrible dovetails. It's extremely loose before you lock it to the tool post. Have about 20 different tools holders from different brands and none of them are anywhere near that loose.

The surface finish is great and all edges are nicely deburred. The coated hardware is a nice touch.

Did the job

I replace a piston type quick change with this wedge type. It seems more solid and repeatable.

Nicely made with better tolerances and has imperial stud ant nut