Single Point Diamond Turning

[Bertho]

I have read many posts about SPDT and it looks like what I need to avoid polishing acrylic parts that I am CNC turning.
The dimensions are not critical so I am looking for low-cost sources of diamond tooling. Any suggestions? TIA
Bertho

[flannman]

Bertho

Just using a monocrystalline diamond tooling will not give you a superb finish as there are other factors that contribute to achieving optical finishes. The use of fluid film bearings for both the spindle and slideways has a major impact as things like spindle runout and stiction cause major scratches although on a microscopic scale. I have seen diamond tools on ebay however i would not like to say how good they are. I would suggest you firstly buy a PCD (polycrystalline diamond) insert from ebay for about 10 pounds and see if this improves it enough and the next step i would suggest is purchase a cheap air bearing spindle one of which i have picked for less than 50 quid. You make a mount to use it in a standard lathe and this will significantly improve the asynchronous runout which is the biggest factor in surface finish whereas synchronous runout affects form. Hope this helps

Regards

Flannman

[Bertho]

Thanks Flannman,
I looked at eBay without luck but I will keep looking. Good advice too about the air bearing spindle.
A second reason for the diamond tooling is that the parts that I am making are very small, just a couple of mm in diameter, and I have serious heat problems with the regular tooling. I am hoping that the very sharp diamond will produce less heat.
Thanks again,
Bertho

[K&Y]

I have read many posts about SPDT and it looks like what I need to avoid polishing acrylic parts that I am CNC turning.
The dimensions are not critical so I am looking for low-cost sources of diamond tooling. Any suggestions? TIA
Bertho

Bertho,

Please feel free to send me a pm with your specifications/requirements with regards to the diamond tools that you are looking for. I would be more than happy to try and help you out.