Parting tools for 7x10's?

[nateman_doo]

Are they any recommended 1/4" parting tools for the Harbor Freight mini lathes?

[txcncman]

1/4" is a damned heavy cut on a mini-lathe. Even on plastic. I would shoot for a 3mm or even a 1/16".

[nateman_doo]

nooooo... I mean 1/4" bit. I can only fit 1/4 shank bits in the lathe.
my bad, should have clarified.

[keebler303]

You can either grind a HSS bit into a parting tool shape, or buy the correct parting tool holder and use a proper parting tool as most folks do. What type of toolpost do you have?

Matt

[nateman_doo]

umm... stock everything. id rather buy one and go right to work, then grind my own. Looking to cut-off parts just over an inch in diameter.

[keebler303]

Everything you wanted to know: Parting Operations

[nateman_doo]

Thanks for the info. Still need to buy the tools though. Id rather spend my time cutting parts, then grinding bits. Harbor Freight doesn't seem to carry that part any longer (37034-0VGA) and parting tool searches just come up with blanks.

[rpovey]

I use these
LittleMachineShop.com - Cut-Off Blade, P1
You'll need a holder I use them in a QCTP, but they sell holders that work with the default tool holder.

The biggest issue with parting on the mini lathe is the cross slide gibs, you want to make sure they are tight before you start, if they aren't the parting tool will ride the piece being parted, and it becomes a total pain in the ass.
For point of reference parting any number of Al parts on my 7x12 results in the gibs becoming obviously loose and requiring adjustment.

[keebler303]

To be honest, if you have a bench grinder, you could have already ground a bit in the time it has taken you to type in this post, maybe 5 minutes? The link I posted describes how to grind them. It is not perfect but it will get you going.

[nateman_doo]

im kinda stuck at work... so can't do much grinding here in my office. I can however order the correct part though.

Thats still assuming I have the bench grinder skills to get the angles & rake correct. Then I still have to figure out a way to have it held in the stock tool holder.

Sounds like the LMS tool holder is the one I am looking for:
http://littlemachineshop.com/product...ProductID=1551
http://littlemachineshop.com/product...1929&category=

[keebler303]

Yes, that LMS part will do fine. I actually looked there and only found the quick change parting tool holders. Looks like problem solved.

Matt

[txcncman]

If you are serious about machining, you need to get as familiar with as many tool suppliers as you can and not rely on just Harbor Freight. Travers, MSC, and Grainger to get you started. There are also probably local suppliers of machinists tools near you that do not advertise on a national level. Check you local listings.