CBN cut-off/grooving tool?

[Highpower]

Is there such a thing as an affordable CBN cut-off tool for the home gamer? I am needing to cut and groove some 20mm case hardened linear shafts and it's getting very expensive trashing a $10 carbide insert for every cut.

Precision ground shafting that needs to stay clean and pristine so cut off discs or trying to anneal them is off the table.

[Dr Stan]

Do you have a tool post grinder?  If so would it be possible to mount a CBN cutoff wheel in the grinder to make the grooves?

[Highpower]

(12-09-2017, 11:02 AM)Dr Stan Wrote: Do you have a tool post grinder? 

I wish!

I don't really want to deal with the mess that comes along with grinding anyway. I priced out a Sandvik tool holder ($160) at MSC. But the CBN grooving inserts are $145 EACH.

I can't swing that right now so I guess I'll continue on with what I've been doing. Even if I go through a full pack of my Dorian carbide inserts that's still a lot cheaper than a single CBN insert. Wow.

[Dr Stan]

(12-09-2017, 03:01 PM)Highpower Wrote:

(12-09-2017, 11:02 AM)Dr Stan Wrote: Do you have a tool post grinder? 

I wish!

Sounds like another item for your to do list.  

BTW, I picked up a 1 hp Dumor including high speed internal spindles at a machine shop close out sale for $250.

[Highpower]

Sweet! You made out like a bandit Stan.

[Dr Stan]

(12-09-2017, 08:56 PM)Highpower Wrote: Sweet! You made out like a bandit Stan.  

Yep that was one of the best buys ever.  Just the internal spindle was worth more than $250.

[Highpower]

Got the shafts finished today. Parted off two lengths of shafting. 1/4" wide groove in one shaft, 1/4" and 5/8" wide grooves in the other, all 3/32" deep. (Full depth of the case hardening.) Went through 8 carbide inserts ($80) to get it done. Sparks, sometimes flames, lots of red hot glowing ribbons of steel turning bright blue and praying they didn't land on ME.

Someone remind me not to do this again....

[Dr Stan]

(12-12-2017, 12:28 AM)Highpower Wrote: Got the shafts finished today. Parted off two lengths of shafting. 1/4" wide groove in one shaft, 1/4" and 5/8" wide grooves in the other, all 3/32" deep. (Full depth of the case hardening.) Went through 8 carbide inserts ($80) to get it done. Sparks, sometimes flames, lots of red hot glowing ribbons of steel turning bright blue and praying they didn't land on ME.

Someone remind me not to do this again....  

Oh you'll soon forget all on your own, just like the rest of us with CRS disease.  

[Highpower]

Excellent point Stan. True that!