Shop Talk with Adam: Multifix tool post review

[@Abom79]

One of the things I absolutely love about my shop! It speaks of memories with both dad and grandad. I cherish the tools I now have that once belonged to and was used by them.

[@oiadnz]

Hi Adam, you know, it's people like you, Keith, tubalcain and so forth that make me a better machinist. I've never had anyone to teach me this stuff apart from hands on work, the youtube community is amazing, So I really appreciate what you guys do.

[@aquilifergroup]

Scott Roberts amen to that

[@MINDSEYE153]

Hi Adam, Thanks again for another look at a masters shop, and also a big thanks to your dad and grandfather for showing you the ropes. We are now the beneficiary of their hard work! Keep the vids coming. Best regards, Paul

[@StraightThread]

Very informative, Adam. Thanks for showing the toolholder disassembled; I've wondered how the mechanism operated. You're on the right track with your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@oppanheimer]

I'm buying one of these designs mainly because now I know, from your explanation, how good this tool post holder design is. Thank You.

[@chrisdexter8011]

Thanks for the video and info. I've been fascinated by your tool post ever since I first started watching your videos about a month ago. I started with Keith Fenner last fall, then John (doubleboost), Tom Lipton, Toms techniques, etc.You all do a great job on your videos, each having your own unique slant and skill sets to add to the trade. Thanks again

[@BrokenRRT]

Nice shop, nice tools, beautiful trade! Thanks for the video...please keep them coming for us guys like me that watch and drool!

[@jimzuccaro6131]

Adam, thank you for the video! I have my father-in-law's lathe, and it has a Multifix tool post. I didn't know anything about them, till I saw your video. Thanks for the info. The bushing type tool holder I have has a straight hole bushing and a small diameter boring bar that fits in the bushing. It's really, really solid. Your videos are the best. Good work. Thanks again.

[@rbturbo9]

These shop talk videos are awesome....cant wait to see what's in all of those old boxes in your shop... keep up the awesome work

[@therealspixycat]

Very nice video on all the features of what looks like a very nice toolholder

[@mainemikeiii]

Interesting how things like that happen sometimes.... very neat looking tool holder... thanks for your vids... great stuff, and a huge help to us hobby guys... I just finished up restoring my southbend 13". Took every gear, nut and bolt apart... belive it or not it still works!!! Cant wait to start my first project...thanks again...

[@coyzee1]

Thanks Adam for another excellent vid. Although I'm not wanting for a new tool post, I was informed none the less. That's a great idea of using the boring head tools in the Armstrong. The v block tool riser was another. I'm looking forward to learning more from this series as well from your machining vids.

[@sawz5]

Adam, I to have a DA post at work on a 18x80 lathe and since I am not real tall I always have to two hand those tool blocks . Sometimes I even have to get a step stool to see if I'm doing some boring, but you got to admit those suckers are ridgid. Ido really like the multifix that I have at home. You really steered me in the right direction on that purchase. Thanks, Rick

[@Abom79]

Its hard to go wrong with a 40 position tool post, but up to you to decide if you need to make the investment. They are expensive but well worth it in a full time shop. Good to see you Lawrence! Adam

[@artmckay6704]

Always great stuff! Always very informative! Thanks for doing these videos! Much appreciated!

[@ehamady6]

That is a badass tool post! Makes me re-think the whole concept which is always good.

[@Abom79]

Thanks for the comment ReignOterror! I'm happy to know my videos are helping you out in some way or another. I will do my best to keep making new videos on tooling and the like. I appreciate the great comment Joe! Adam

[@Abom79]

Thanks Paul, good to hear positive comments like that!

[@Dan.Whiteford]

What a surprise that your getting good responses -NOT!! - you're damn good at what you do with the machines, Natural easy, modest manner in front of the camera, great photography with brilliant explanations of what you want to do, how you plan to do it and then carry it out while we watch. I might also say you don't make assumptions about what we might know / not know. This video is another very good example and I'm learning a lot between you and Oxtools. Many thanks for your efforts.

[@Abom79]

Tom, good to see ya. You should pick you up one of these sets, you'd love it! The mention of the DA gives me another video idea now. I have it on the Pacemaker at work. You just about need the overhead crane to lift it off the tool post when I'm using my big 2" Aloris boring bar! That sucker is heavy! Now the turning holder I can one hand, but they are still big and heavy. Its a good tool post for the big lathes! Thanks for commenting Tom! Adam

[@grobsaw]

Great videos! I like the real life shots, everyone makes mistakes and has difficulty in machining. It's nice for someone to show people how to get around troubles instead of just editing them out. Great job ,keep it up.

[@Abom79]

Thanks! My plan is to keep filming and uploading them as much as I can. Glad you enjoy them!

[@paulgreenlee190]

I enjoyed learning about the Multifix Tool Post Holder and like you I would have to win a Lottery to afford buying them. You did a great job explaining the uses and advantages of owning them.

[@gearyvickers4747]

I just watched this video and found it to be extreme informative. Thanks Adam!

[@jemijona]

Thank you so much for this video. It has just convinced me to buy a Multifix system for my Colchester Triumph.

[@billdlv]

Adam that was very informative. Very cool that the same tool is used to lock the height adjustment and lock the toolbit in the holder. On our DTM 75 which is like an aloris BXA you have to use a 9/16 wrench. The allen head setscrews always get chips in them so you have to blow them out each time you change toolbits in the holder.

[@Abom79]

The t-slot os very helpful in times you need to move the post over to give yourself more clearence, or you move the top slide (compound in line with the axis, and you want to move the post over closer towards the work piece. I keep my compounds set of 29.5 degrees for threading at all times. I do threading daily so I keep mine ready to cut.

[@michalmazurek4385]

Great video Adam! Thank you for sharing your experience and passion! Mike from Poland

[@acklan3]

Adam you fall in the category as Keith and Mr Pete. Great videos.

[@marlorup]

Great video Very informative. Looking forward to many more. Thank you very much for taking the extra time and effort to make these videos available to all of us.

[@Abom79]

Thanks for the comment. There is a camshaft in the part of the tool post body (where the handle attaches). When you turn the handle the cam action moves each side wich cause it to draw tight around the tool post itself.

[@spinyheghog]

Your better then most teachers I know. Thank you for all the good info

[@dezcox7950]

Adam, I love your style man your awesome keep the camera rolling I am learning heaps from you so Thank you.

[@justintimber5058]

Very good description! I like your style of doing those videos.

[@ypaulbrown]

Adam, we really love your down home presentation style.....keep up the fantastic work.....Paul

[@riflesmith1]

Another great vid Adam, keep it up. Im always looking forward to seeing your work.

[@Abom79]

One of the great things about the holders and adjustment lock nut is that they use the same wrench. So instead of having both allen wrenches and end wrenches on your machine, you only have the one tool. One thing I hate about the Aloris on the pacemaker at work is that the set screws always fill up with chips, so I must blow them out when I need to remove the tool. I do love the big DA Aloris on the Pacemaker, but the other lathes I love my Multifix! Thanks for the comment Bill!

[@Abom79]

Thanks StraightThread. I know theres not a lot of informative reviews out there on the Multifix and a breakdown of how they work, so I wanted to make sure I shown as much as could in my video. I hope it was informative for everyone else out there curious about them.Thanks for the comment!

[@outsidescrewball]

Adam.... Really enjoyed the video and the information on that tool post/holders Best regards, Chuck

[@Jmastffp]

I just got an original multifix. Really looking forward to using it. Thanks for the good review of the tool.

[@Abom79]

The more you know...! Thanks for the comment. Hope this helps you understand its function more.

[@terrywang2236]

Good job, happy to see the 40 position quick change tool post

[@StefanGotteswinter]

I had a china-mfix clone (the smaller A size), it was really ok. But there is still a new, very well made Multifix made in germany by Axa. I like that style of toolpost very much, over here in germany you can not find very much lathes in machine shops that dont have a multifix fittet to them - very common here.

[@tom7601]

Love your videos! I worked in a model shop at Hughes Aircraft in the 1980s. I miss it.

[@cnc-ua]

This is a great piece. Thank you Adam for making review

[@Abom79]

Thanks soo much. I still feel honored to be compared to guys like Keith and Mr Pete. They have so much more shop experience than I, but I feel good when I know and understand exactly the subject matter they are talking about in there videos. I'm glad that my videos help you along your metalworking quest! Adam

[@Abom79]

Thanks for the comment, and good luck with the first future lathe project!

[@aryesegal1988]

As always, great video, Adam! I learned a lot. :) Thank you for taking the time and effort to share with us your tools and knowledge :)

[@axolpolly3366]

Good day mate Adam,what a good tool post demonstration and explanation very clear. this kind of tool post what i need,what i have here is 4 corner tool post,to adjust and to find the center is time consuming,hehehe Thanks again Adam is a Big help for me.from philippines @ Geelong Victoria Australia

[@Abom79]

Yea you have to drop that 4 way tool post, get your self a Multifix, or even an Aloris type. You will be much happier.

[@GK1918]

Thanks Adam, you just answered an old question. The wrench I have the same exact one, never knew what it was for. Now If I could only find this tool post. Excellent vidio makin job sam

[@hla27b]

I have always wondered about the mulitifix. Thank you for showing it on camera.

[@Abom79]

We just got our first break from the heat this past weekend. High of 84 but much lower humidity! I cant wait for fall weather!!

[@petera1033]

Hi Adam - Pete from Australia here- I have just bought a Hardinge lathe and it will come with a Swiss multifix system - so thanks for sharing mate

[@Abom79]

Very cool!! I'm sure your going to love both the lathe and the Multifix tool post.

[@Abom79]

Good question. You as the user have to make that call if its worth it to you to use the Multifix or Aloris type. For me, the Multifix is faster and easier that loosening and positioning the Aloris where I want. I do lots of threading and I like to keep my tool posts indicated and locked in place, square to the axis of the lathe, that way when Im ready to thread I know the tool is correctly aligned. I hate loosening the tool post and reposition for a different cut. The Multifix eliminates this.

[@Abom79]

I really appreciate comments like this Dan. it assures me that the content that I'm producing is doing its job by informing and entertaining guys like yourself out there in youtube land. But comments like yours also lets me know that Im doing a good job and not making a fool of myself. Thank you very much for such great feedback. I appreciate it more than you know! Adam

[@markalu551]

I think the reason your so popular, Is because you are a excellent Machinist, I have learned so much from watching you... Keep up the good work .... and kick Toms butt when you do the indicating challenge ....

[@lohikarhu734]

Thanks for this video from 5 years ago ;-) I learned a couple of things about my own original Multifix toolpost & holders :-) These things are damned fine equipment, too bad that so few people even seem to know about them...

[@wolfitirol8347]

I use the Multifix from PeeWee Ltd. In Germany and these are the most closest nowadays to the original by the inventor J. F. MINDER in Switzerland 1946 he made the patent... .. He was involved in the production until the early 1980's when he closed his company and the one he was also involved named Mifesa (not Novoel Mifesa they just took the name) the PeeWee Multifixes are very high quality and their boss loves what he does and makes reviews on KZbin... Im very satisfied with my Multifix Size A and would buy it everytime again.. Adam youve got a real original Multifix so many people say that but you have a real one...cool 😎 i love your vids and learn so much from you thanx 👍

[@bernhard5741]

Hi Adam, Just bought a new lather that was equipped with this style of tool post. So I searched and found your video! Thank you much for the demonstration and your opinion about it. At first I had in mind replacing it with my Phase II tool post from my old lathe, but after watching your video, I am going to use it. Thank you much for your videos, being a home shop, would-be machinist I did learn a lot from you! Cheers, Bernhard

[@1954BJohn]

Greets from the UK - Good quality interesting video's! - Thanks Adam

[@plnmech]

It is not cheating, it is making sure you produce a good video.

[@pitu72ger]

This video again made my day. Thanks Adam. There is one thing I could not figure out. How the tension is created which pull the tool holder towards the tool post when pulling the handle?

[@Abom79]

You are right, nothing wrong with an Aloris at all, I just like the convenience of the 40 positions with the multifix., You dont have to loosen the bolt like you have to with Aloris..I like keeping all of my posts trammed in square, so I really hate to loosen it. I only do it when I have to.

[@Gkuljian]

I always wondered about these. Thanks for the review

[@phooesnax]

that is reall a cool holder. I am not sure how i missed this when you posted it.

[@Abom79]

I stand corrected George, I didnt think about that # being an area code. Thanks for pointing that out.

[@tommie293]

Hey Adam--This is great stuff. Thank you for sharing it.

[@bufford14]

I agree with Andakar, you're doing a great job. I've learned a lot from your video's. It's all very interesting.

[@Abom79]

The big Monarch was a 22N. But the actual swing over the ways was 30.5"!! I really miss that lathe. Thanks Stephen!

[@constitutionalradiation3587]

Great Video. Well done. It appears that shops here in Wisconsin are finally getting around to training young people to machine. It has been long neglected. It's a great trade and a guy(or gal),to make a good living if one gets in the right position. Thanks for your great effort in helping make this so.

[@gizzo123us]

Thats cool you can look around your shop and see your Dads and your Grandpas tools looking back at you.

[@billyvile]

Thanks that was very helpful. All of your videos are. I am waiting for more keep it up.

[@ianaristotlethompson4186]

Great video, well explained subject. Thanks.

[@joemorales5381]

Great educational video.Thank you for giving us more tips.All our conventional lathes and some cnc gang type lathes has Multifix on it.

[@Abom79]

Thanks a bunch William! I wont say I'm a teacher, but I try to share what I have learned.

[@wildcatwelding92]

Great video! I just subscribed to your channel so I'm looing forward to watching the rest of your videos.

[@Abom79]

Yea, I might have worded that wrong, but I think it helps to make sure Im getting the right shot. I felt a little worried about that in the earlier videos, but It doesnt bother me now if you see me checking out the phone app.

[@nathanrichart7226]

Thank you Adam I'm sold

[@NSTRAPPERHUNTER]

Nice demo. and thanks for sharing with us.

[@oxtoolco]

Hi Adam, Great video. I really want one of these Multifix tool posts now. You should be a salesman for them. We have a DA Aloris on our big sliding gap lathe at work. The holders weigh a ton and take two hands to load them. Regards, Tom

[@DrMerkwurdig]

Thanks for your review! I got a smaller version of the Multifix along with my Schaublin. I have to get some more tool holders for it though, so I can have all sorts of tools set up at proper heights. For my big lathe, the TLV, I have the Malcus/Toolfix 3-4. I don't think it is as stable as the Multifix, but it works well too. You just gave me the idea that I should do a video about the Malcus/Toolfix.

[@apistosig4173]

Dear Mr Adam. I know I have suggested this previously but. You mentioned your grandfather. I often hear you mention your dad. I would love to hear about these people, what they taught you, and from those teachings what you have carried with you. sincere regards from Melbourne.

[@arnljotseem8794]

Great review. I just bought a Multifix size Aa (really small) for my little Myford lathe, partly thanks to your praise of them through many videos. I think you should have talked more about the hight adjustment, and the repeatability every time you put a tool holder in the turret. You have mentioned this in later videos though. They are actually not that expensive, an least not here in Europe. The turret size B, that you have, is around $330 from net shops in Germany. You need holders too of course and they are $70-80 for the standard holders. Not cheap, but not crazy expensive either. You can buy them in sets as well. There is also a Multifix copy from a German company AXA. A little bit cheaper, but not much....

[@joefriday1982]

Thanks for reviewing the multifix! I'm going to be picking up my first lathe shortly and it doesn't have a toolpost. You may have saved me from getting a traditional style and wishing I didn't!

[@viscache1]

You’re a class act mentor!

[@Abom79]

All interesting facts to know! Thank you.

[@not2fast4u2c]

Thanks for the video I have wondered about tool post since I first seen it

[@kevinxcal1]

That phone case is amazing, I want one!

[@Abom79]

Thanks Chuck!

[@Abom79]

Thanks a bunch Michal from poland!!

[@Abom79]

Thanks Tommie!

[@gasworker3042]

Thats a great tool post. Thanks for the videos

[@hdoug5]

very informative thank you , I was wondering what kind of tool post you were using now I know :) great videos :)

[@fsj197811]

That was well done, thank you!

[@paulspisak5312]

Great video Adam . I have a old lathe and milling machine in my shop that needs a lot of work to get them working right . I got them for free . Your video will help me a lot . Do you mind if I ask you question if I need help getting them running right?

[@Abom79]

Its a Rockform Fusion with the magnet option. They are great and MADE IN USA!

[@Abom79]

Ill have to work on that in a future video.

[@Abom79]

Thanks a bunch Paul! My dad now reads all of the comments, so I'm sure he'll be seeing this.

[@Abom79]

I love my DA at work, its big and heavy duty, the way a tool post should be for heavy duty work. But Im not kidding about the boring holder and 2" bar, its borderline too heavy to left off the post. Im glad to know someone converted to a Multifix. They are great to use! Did you ever get it mounted yet?

[@marceloiannini8199]

Adam, always very informative videos, like them all! Congrats man! There´s a good mounting instructions manual that can help novice users. It´s from Optimum Maschines. I have found them today here, but keep in mind that these links change often: www.maquinariamadrid.com/docs/Montaje%20torreta%20cambio%20rapido%20SWH_GB.pdf

[@Abom79]

All I know about that is Enco bought and sold them, but sold them as an ENCO product, even though they were manufactured by Original Multifix. My dad bought two of our sets from ENCO back in the day.