Boring a Deep Hole

[EdK]

(07-17-2013, 07:00 AM)PixMan Wrote: Tough decision tree there Ed. I believe you should first try the mill, at least get the hole started that way.

Of course the lathe allows you use a larger boring bar, but that rigidity is lost when you have a workpiece flopping around.

I have had pretty good success over the years using boring bars that are larger then turned down for a short length to fit into a boring head. I agree that you really should have a 3" or 4" boring head that takes at least 3/4" bars. Check this photo and see the long bar in the middle with a turned down end. That bar has a 3/4" end diameter which fit into my crappy Chinese boring head and holds a 1/4" HSS or brazed carbide bit.

You want something similar. It's a quicky to make Ed, and cheap. Use the 1144 material you got.

Ken,

Not a bad idea. I think you and Tom have hit on a good strategy to use the mill with a boring head suitable for the task. The quill stroke on my mill is rated at 5" but I'll need to verify that. I can always lower the head for the last bit if necessary.

Thanks guys!

Ed