New tooling for lathe, totally overwhelmed.

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pdhntr

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I just got my new lathe set up and don't have any tooling for it. All I used for my last old lathe was HSS ground bits.

I am only going to do my own barrels, no production on the lathe at all.

I went to my local gunsmith buddy for some help, and he handed me an MSC catalog with over 500 pages of indexable tooling, and said, "Here ya' go." There is Seco, Kennametal, Hertel, Carmex, Interstate, and on and on. Premium prices for probably top quality.

Then I look on the internet and there are all kinds of places to get the same tools but the manufacturer is not listed and the prices are much better. There is also Grizzly that has tools at the cheapest prices.

I don't mind spending money on quality stuff, but I do have a budget.

Do I need Kennametal, or can I get away with Grizzly? Or should I be in between? Is there some vendors that offer quality stuff that won't break the budget?

Thanks for any advise.

Jim
 
You don't really need indexable tooling at all. You mentioned that you have HHS bits so just use those.
You can grind them yourself for any procedure you do when chambering a barrel. Leaves a real nice finish on SS, too.
 
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I have used a rocker type tool holder all of my gunsmithing career... I wouldn't switch unless you have a particular reason to do so. Just buy a rocker type tool holder and continue to grind your bits.
 
Get a quick change tool post, Aloris if you can afford it or a knock off.

Then some 3/8 shank (maybe 1/2" if you have a bigger lathe) indexable tooling like this -- http://www.carbidedepot.com/detail.aspx?ID=78131 get a right and a left tool. A SCLP boring bar is a good idea too and uses the same inserts. Get right and left if you can. You can also use the boring bars for turning if you don't mind the longer shank sticking out at you.
Then some CPMT inserts that fit the above.

Here are some resources:

http://www.tools4cheap.net/ (inexpensive import stuff, the owner is good to deal with)
http://www.carbidedepot.com/ (bargain priced high quality inserts, also easy to deal with)
 
I have used both for 40 years. HSS is the best for small shops and smaller machines. Carbide takes a lot of power and speed (higher SFM) to cut properly. What size and model lathe are you using?
 
In defference to Dennis, who is a great guy, I must say that I prefer an Aloris type tool post for most things. They are only $130 or so from import suppliers and they come with many different holders, and over time you will find that the inserts are much easier to control and use than a rocker tool post. For gunsmith work HSS bits are best, but have one or two carbide insert tools for tough jobs (hardened steel).


Scott
 
MilGunsmith said:
I have used both for 40 years. HSS is the best for small shops and smaller machines. Carbide takes a lot of power and speed (higher SFM) to cut properly. What size and model lathe are you using?
Click to expand...

I got a PM 1440 BV.
IMG_0326.jpg


I am confident with the HSS bits but I have not used the new carbide technology, so that aspect adds to my lack of knowledge.

It seems as though many are using the HSS bits, and so I will likely continue using them. I may try a cheap indexable just to see what happens.

I would like to try one of the (cobalt?, IIRC) bits that is already ground for internal threading. I can't grind one for what they cost.

Thanks everyone for all the good information.

Jim
 
pdhntr said:
I just got my new lathe set up and don't have any tooling for it. All I used for my last old lathe was HSS ground bits.

I am only going to do my own barrels, no production on the lathe at all.

I went to my local gunsmith buddy for some help, and he handed me an MSC catalog with over 500 pages of indexable tooling, and said, "Here ya' go." There is Seco, Kennametal, Hertel, Carmex, Interstate, and on and on. Premium prices for probably top quality.

Then I look on the internet and there are all kinds of places to get the same tools but the manufacturer is not listed and the prices are much better. There is also Grizzly that has tools at the cheapest prices.

I don't mind spending money on quality stuff, but I do have a budget.

Do I need Kennametal, or can I get away with Grizzly? Or should I be in between? Is there some vendors that offer quality stuff that won't break the budget?

Thanks for any advise.

Jim
Click to expand...

Affordable tool very versatile...www.mesatool.com
I have recommended it to several friends and all are very happy with the tool and the budget prices...

Eddie in Texas
 
Little machine shop, Enco, Flea bay has some deals if you are a shopper,800 watt , Tools for cheap, Wholesale tools
Be careful it's habit forming ,grinding your ownwill yeild the best results on most materials and the best price value
I found this helped me do a nicer job of finishing
Davis Designs
67 skywalker ct.
apt #1
chico CA 95973
UNITED STATES
555 555-5555
http://sites.google.com/site/davisdesignstools/dch
 
RoyB said:
Diamond Tool Holder...........I couldn't be more happy with the performance. "Old School" folks will poo-poo it. But once you use it, you won't go back.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUAPrkC7Q-Q

http://www.bay-com.com/
Click to expand...

Roy....

is there a downside to this tool? I had no idea it existed and was completely blown away, "now WHY DIN'T I THINK OF THAT!!!" (And I've always enjoyed grinding my own tooling....)


My first thought was, "I'll just make one." But then I just bit the bullet and ordered one. I'm also setting up for a taller Aloris so's I can play with cutting backwards/upside down. But anyways, while I'm waiting for it, any quirks to know of? Anything I'm not seeing?

It just seems too stupid simple! But I couldn't tear it apart, which is my first criterion for a new (to me) idea.

al
 
use high speed.... save money.... be more versitile.... aware of set-up and speeds.... better slo speed finish... less tool pressure....
OMHO
Bill Larson
 
I'm with the stick with HSS crowd. Properly ground positive rake ground HSS will not induce stresses on the workpiece like carbides will. As to carbides, if you decide to try some, get 7 degree or 11 degree positive rake inserts. These will come close to producing stress free work like HSS does. But, beware, positive rake carbides have very fragile edges and any chatter at all and BOOF, they are gone and resharpening carbides requires special grinding wheels and is slow going.
 
Thanks everyone for all the good information and advise.

I am going with HSS bits. But I am also looking at the HSS insert tools with interest. I have used a T-15 HSS bit and I like it. I am thinking of going with the T-15 HSS insert bits. As one poster said, "the best of both worlds".

Jim
 
Tooling Cost

It is easy to put $600-$1000 into shoe box size box.

I have 5 machinist tool boxes with over $100,000. worth of tooling in them. If you don't beleive me ask Kaiser/ThinBit Tool company, Pacific Tool and Gauge, MSC, Enco, Penn Tool, and Grizzly. Just think what 200 chamber reamers with Go and NoGo gauges cost

Lathe and Mill cost is spit in the bucket compaired to tooling.

Nat Lambeth
 
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