Tool Holders

[TOM REED]

Very nice job, now I either have to buy some more heavy stock or look for some old forklift forks. tom

[Wawoodman]

What else works as tool holders? Will normal CRS do it? Aluminum?

[EdK]

(09-11-2012, 10:29 AM)Wawoodman Wrote: What else works as tool holders? Will normal CRS do it? Aluminum?

For a small lathe, aluminum will work. Any lathe in the 12x and up could benefit from using steel, CRS, HRS, I don't think it matters much if you don't plan on heat treating the holders.

Ed

[PixMan]

I agree with Ed. That part of the tool holder system, on the whole, doesn't get subjected to too much abuse.

The Chinese ones I buy from Jeff at Tools4Cheap appear to be made from a 4140 or 8620 and hardened pretty good. The only problem that has presented is that I have to mill about 3mm off the bottoms of them and found it takes a little bit of technique and the right carbide insert to get it done.

[sasquatch]

Nice looking project!

[Mayhem]

(09-11-2012, 02:48 PM)PixMan Wrote: ...The Chinese ones I buy from Jeff at Tools4Cheap appear to be made from a 4140 or 8620 and hardened pretty good...

Regarding the hardness - I've been toying with the idea of drilling a hole in the top of the boring bar block (#4) to register with the flat on the top of boring bars (as the #2 block does).

Is this worth the effort or isn't it critical? I know the downward angle that they hold the positive inserts aids with decreasing the minimum bore size they can be used with but are there other reasons that would necessitate them being perfectly orientated?

[EdK]

(09-12-2012, 04:47 AM)Mayhem Wrote: Regarding the hardness - I've been toying with the idea of drilling a hole in the top of the boring bar block (#4) to register with the flat on the top of boring bars (as the #2 block does).

Is this worth the effort or isn't it critical? I know the downward angle that they hold the positive inserts aids with decreasing the minimum bore size they can be used with but are there other reasons that would necessitate them being perfectly orientated?

I'd try it on one and see how it goes. I know I struggle with getting the boring bar oriented correctly in that style of holder. Of course you would owe us some pictures.

Ed

[PixMan]

I've got both the #4 and the #41 (larger diameter) boring bar blocks, and have the same issue with orienting insert boring bars. I should also give it a tryto see if I can drill & tap them. While I'm certain it can be done, I just don't think I can afford the solid carbide drills and taps it may require. Those things are HARD.

If I can find time to get over to the shop I'll give it a go. It's dad's 80th on Friday and we've got a little thing going on for him on Saturday.

[Mayhem]

So how critical is it to orientate the bars perfectly?

For example, a CCMT 09T304 insert in a S16R-SCLCR 09-M boring bar is presented to the work at a different angle than when used in a SCLCR 16-3D turning tool. So is it just the benefit of being able to use the boring bar in a smaller diameter hole or are there other factors in play (cutting force, chip removal etc)?

[EdK]

I would think there would be some clearance issues involved but I'll let the experts verify/shoot down that thought.

Ed