Parting 304 SS Help

[smokediver576]

Okay Slant Pro Tribe - Need some info and suggestions. After a mind numbing weekend of trying to part off 1" and 1.25" 304 Stainless Steel and cooking I don't know how many inserts and finally killing my Tormach 3/4" parting tool (got caught before exiting the cut and moved in Z bending the tool) - Looking to purchase something new for this and need some suggestions.

Tormach does not sell anything but had this information to share:

"As far as parting goes, stainless steels cut better with smaller tool engagement, so switching to a holder that uses GTN-3 or even GTN-2 will reduce the amount of load the tool is seeing. Again, you might want to look at stainless steel specific inserts. Also makes sure you have the area flooded with coolant (this applies to all tools), if you get too dry when you're in the groove it will cause problems. You want to have the tool at the centerline or slightly below, not higher. You should also try using the pecking option in the parting conversational. This really helps to break the chick with stainless steel, especially if you don't have a specialty insert."

So what are your recommendations for tooling and inserts. Mainly my question is about 304 SS but would also like to pick up inserts that would cut aluminum better.

Thanks!!!

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[Jim Dawson]

I have had good luck with these. Hundreds of parts in both 6061 and 304SS parted off and still on the first insert. Using the same insert for both. Constant surface speed (about 80 FPM for SS), peck parting with 0.010 retract, about 0.040 per peck, 10 IPM feed, flood coolant.

Holder
https://www.westtool.com/default.asp...+2300849#tab-1


https://www.iscar.com/eCatalog/Item....FSTYP=I&srch=1

Insert
https://www.westtool.com/default.asp...+6002573#tab-1


https://www.iscar.com/eCatalog/Item....FSTYP=I&srch=1

[smokediver576]

I have had good luck with these. Hundreds of parts in both 6061 and 304SS parted off and still on the first insert. Using the same insert for both. Constant surface speed (about 80 FPM for SS), peck parting with 0.010 retract, about 0.040 per peck, 10 IPM feed, flood coolant.

Holder
https://www.westtool.com/default.asp...+2300849#tab-1


https://www.iscar.com/eCatalog/Item....FSTYP=I&srch=1

Insert
https://www.westtool.com/default.asp...+6002573#tab-1


https://www.iscar.com/eCatalog/Item....FSTYP=I&srch=1

Well.... looks like I'm out about $445 with extra inserts for stainless and aluminum, holder, tools and such! I ended up going with CarbideDepot.com - they were super helpful as well. Thanks for the recommendation. I look forward to getting it loaded up and running parts! As always Jim, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[Jim Dawson]

Well.... looks like I'm out about $445 with extra inserts for stainless and aluminum, holder, tools and such! I ended up going with CarbideDepot.com - they were super helpful as well. Thanks for the recommendation. I look forward to getting it loaded up and running parts! As always Jim, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

My pleasure to help out

[MichaelHenry]

This guy sells a GTN-3 insert and parting tool that might work pretty well:

https://latheinserts.com/3-4-PARTING...4310000738.htm

I bought the tool holder recent with a selection of the 3 inserts that he sells but have yet to try it out. The products he sells seem well received on the Practical Machinist web site.

[smokediver576]

This guy sells a GTN-3 insert and parting tool that might work pretty well:

https://latheinserts.com/3-4-PARTING...4310000738.htm

I bought the tool holder recent with a selection of the 3 inserts that he sells but have yet to try it out. The products he sells seem well received on the Practical Machinist web site.

Will have to check them out. I would like to have a less expensive tool for use on the standard stuff to keep for the potential of tearing up my Iscar!

[sin_arms]

be careful buying from latheinserts, they are good about sending you the wrong items and then not answering their phones or emails for months.

[MichaelHenry]

be careful buying from latheinserts, they are good about sending you the wrong items and then not answering their phones or emails for months.

I've ordered at least 3 times from them over the past few years and no problems so far. Those were all small and simple orders, though.

[sin_arms]

I've ordered at least 3 times from them over the past few years and no problems so far. Those were all small and simple orders, though.

I did too, unfortunately the last 2 orders were messed up and he said "oh don't about that, I'll make it right" still not right 9 months later.

[MichaelHenry]

I did too, unfortunately the last 2 orders were messed up and he said "oh don't about that, I'll make it right" still not right 9 months later.

If you still want to follow up on the issue, you might try posting a polite request for resolution on the Practical Machinist web site. He posts there as Ex-Kenna or something similar.