Sandvik T-Max Q-cut parting inserts

[SteveG]

A while back a friend gave me a Sandvik T-Max Q-Cut parting toolholder complete with blade and insert as it was too large for his lathe.
I finally got my mill to the point where I could cut a couple of mm off the bottom of the holder to get it on center height and be able to use it.


I've always had issues with parting off but the first few times I tried it with this tool (on steel) it was like parting butter - I was in love!!!!!
Unfortunately, I then soured the relationship by managing to leave the toolpost clamp bolt slightly loose, resulting in the whole toolpost rotating during a cut. As well as the damage to the workpiece, the ensuing mess has smashed my one and only insert  


So - I went looking for some new inserts but can only find them in packs of 10 for about AUD$150.
I don't have an issue with paying $15 per insert, but (barring stupidity) I'm unlikely to use 10 in the foreseeable future.

Does anybody happen to know if there is an alternative insert available that can be used? I haven't been able to find anything.
Sandvik insert code is N151.2-400-5E grade GC1135
Link to some more info on the Sandvik site here: Sandvik T-Max Q-Cut

Aside from buying the genuine or alternative inserts, I'm wondering if I might be better to buy a new blade that takes a more generic insert like a GTN or similar. Given how well this Sandvik one worked and never having used anything else that might just lead to a lot of disappointment though.
Any thoughts in that regard?

Steve

[f350ca]

Went through pretty much the same scenario Steve. Except I broke the holder, grabbed on an odd parting operation. Still have one but its a monster, takes 1/4 inch wide inserts. Alright for really big parts but I hardly ever use it. Went back to a HSS parting blade.

[Pete O]

Sounds a bit like getting your first hit of heroin for free.
I'd put it aside and do a search on ebay from time to time using the insert number- in fact I think you can set something up on ebay so you get alerted when it comes on the market, although I've never used that feature. You can get lucky and pick up an incomplete pack.

[SteveG]

I've got a HSS tool and holder here but haven't had any real success with it. I should dedicate a bit of time to see if I can sort it out.
If I can get it working OK then it would be practical to wait for some inserts to come up on ebay etc, otherwise you're right Pete - I'm going to have to pay for my next carbide parting hit!!

Steve

[Mayhem]

Find the specs for the inserts, as I think that you may find some Walter ones that will fit.

Also, make sure that your holder is perpendicular to the work

[dallen]

if you type N151.2-400-5E grade GC1135 into the search box on Ebay and then save the search, you will be notified by Email any time that the category changes by new items being added.

all you have to do then is to check your email for the updates.

[SteveG]

(01-03-2018, 05:29 AM)Mayhem Wrote: Find the specs for the inserts, as I think that you may find some Walter ones that will fit.  

Also, make sure that your holder is perpendicular to the work

Most of the Walter ones are the longer double-ended style inserts, and the only single-ended ones they have appear to have a curved lower section rather than flat like the Sandvik ones.
If you've seen some that look like the Sandvik ones I'm chasing I'd be keen to know more.

Steve

[Mayhem]

Yes - the Walter ones have a v-groove which locates the insert. I had thought the Sandvik ones had a similar design.

I know that my Walter VG112R 16-30 parting and grooving tool takes both the Walter VTG-30 and the Sandvik N123 inserts.

Also, my Walter VLSR 16 2C grooving and threading tool can take the Sandvik NGR and NVR inserts as well as the Walter VLG-2R, VLT-2R and VLR-2R inserts.