Need new lathe bits/ what would you suggest?
- Thread starter jlrowe
- Start date
I have a hightower also and I purchased a tool holder and ground it down to fit the tool post. I use a carbide insert and it cuts like dream and lasts and lasts. I dont have to resharpen hss bits anymore, they work well but I like the carbide better imo.
You can find the tool holder and the inserts on mscdirect.com
You can find the tool holder and the inserts on mscdirect.com
> The Hightower I think uses a 5/16 blank as standard,usually with a thin cardboard shim under it. The shimming is important to establish proper center height so they cut properly. This is easily fixed with a QC toolpost.
Carbide can indeed be ground and honed to a level of sharpness rivaling that of HSS,and will stay sharp far longer than HSS,but you will still need HSS for certain things.
Carbide tools can be bought cheaply,and may be effectively reground well,but it won't be as durable as high quality carbide will.
For single-point carbide tipped cutters,I HIGHLY recommend Micro-100 brand. They can be ordered thru Travers or directly. They also have a wide range of toolholders that use various indexable carbide inserts. The one you will use most of the time will be an AR style cutter,used for cutting and facing to a square shoulder.
Keep in mind that whatever carbide you buy,it will more than likely need to be reground dead-sharp for use on wood,leather and the various plastics/phenolics. The factory radius works fine on steel,but will usually "push off" rather than cut when doing cue work. Tommy D.
Carbide can indeed be ground and honed to a level of sharpness rivaling that of HSS,and will stay sharp far longer than HSS,but you will still need HSS for certain things.
Carbide tools can be bought cheaply,and may be effectively reground well,but it won't be as durable as high quality carbide will.
For single-point carbide tipped cutters,I HIGHLY recommend Micro-100 brand. They can be ordered thru Travers or directly. They also have a wide range of toolholders that use various indexable carbide inserts. The one you will use most of the time will be an AR style cutter,used for cutting and facing to a square shoulder.
Keep in mind that whatever carbide you buy,it will more than likely need to be reground dead-sharp for use on wood,leather and the various plastics/phenolics. The factory radius works fine on steel,but will usually "push off" rather than cut when doing cue work. Tommy D.
Read this thru to the end and go from there.....
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=112050&highlight=carbide+insert
It may help you to decide...
Dave
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=112050&highlight=carbide+insert
It may help you to decide...
Dave
Not to be a nitpicker, but, for 5/16 are you perhaps thinking of the 7 x 12 Metal mini lathe?
Hightower and Taig<on which it is based> both sell 1/4 square tool bits for
their tool holder.
Dale
Try those indexable inserts . . .
and you will never go back to HSS again for most work. They work! Before I started using this insert I used to grind my own HSS. The homemade bits cut well and broke way too easy. Now I can use this efficient bit on both of my large metal lathes, Cuesmith Deluxe, and CueCompanion, without having to spend a lot of time carefully grinding and quenching.
By the way I made a claim that I get a year out of my bits, that deserves some explanation. There are three cutting edges each insert, And I do not cut anything except phenolic and wood with them, nor do I use them to cut tapers on shafts or butts, with the exception of collar installations, the two ends of a handle wrap groove, or an occasional butt cap repair. I only make and repair cues part time, so yeah, I can get about a year out of three edges.
This post has all the info you may need:
Yes 3/8 shank bits are available - 12-30-2008, 07:44 AM
I use them on my Hightower Deluxe. Either mill out Chris' deluxe holder to lower the cutting edge or better: mill the indexable tool holders bottom surfaces until the standard 1/4 inch shank size is achieved to fit the lathe tool holder Chris supplies.
The part numbers and prices I paid recently are as follows:
404-1040 3/8" Indexable set (5 tool holders. Chinese) $18.00
6-TCG-2112 TCGT 21.51-AK HO1 inserts @ $5.93 each
I know some tried to order from my supplier and got no reply. I asked why and was told when you leave a message, indicate it is for Bruce at the tool counter. And if you leave a number he can call you back.
Phone them at: 440-975-9684
To repeat an earlier post: Inserts for the !/2" holders are:
6-TCG-3212 TCGT 32.51 HO1 these are small radius @ $6.25 each
6-TCG-3222 TCGT 32.52-AK HO1 @ $5.53 each
They sell the bits any quantity at the prices I mentioned. I think this dealer is cheaper than any other that AZers tried.
Also they sell the Aloris clone tool holders cheap! The Turning and Facing holder for the 6-12 inch lathes run only $13.50 each. The part number is:
202-9401, Other holders also available and inexpensive.
I hope this helps you guys out some . . . Lou Olson.
and you will never go back to HSS again for most work. They work! Before I started using this insert I used to grind my own HSS. The homemade bits cut well and broke way too easy. Now I can use this efficient bit on both of my large metal lathes, Cuesmith Deluxe, and CueCompanion, without having to spend a lot of time carefully grinding and quenching.
By the way I made a claim that I get a year out of my bits, that deserves some explanation. There are three cutting edges each insert, And I do not cut anything except phenolic and wood with them, nor do I use them to cut tapers on shafts or butts, with the exception of collar installations, the two ends of a handle wrap groove, or an occasional butt cap repair. I only make and repair cues part time, so yeah, I can get about a year out of three edges.
This post has all the info you may need:
Yes 3/8 shank bits are available - 12-30-2008, 07:44 AM
I use them on my Hightower Deluxe. Either mill out Chris' deluxe holder to lower the cutting edge or better: mill the indexable tool holders bottom surfaces until the standard 1/4 inch shank size is achieved to fit the lathe tool holder Chris supplies.
The part numbers and prices I paid recently are as follows:
404-1040 3/8" Indexable set (5 tool holders. Chinese) $18.00
6-TCG-2112 TCGT 21.51-AK HO1 inserts @ $5.93 each
I know some tried to order from my supplier and got no reply. I asked why and was told when you leave a message, indicate it is for Bruce at the tool counter. And if you leave a number he can call you back.
Phone them at: 440-975-9684
To repeat an earlier post: Inserts for the !/2" holders are:
6-TCG-3212 TCGT 32.51 HO1 these are small radius @ $6.25 each
6-TCG-3222 TCGT 32.52-AK HO1 @ $5.53 each
They sell the bits any quantity at the prices I mentioned. I think this dealer is cheaper than any other that AZers tried.
Also they sell the Aloris clone tool holders cheap! The Turning and Facing holder for the 6-12 inch lathes run only $13.50 each. The part number is:
202-9401, Other holders also available and inexpensive.
I hope this helps you guys out some . . . Lou Olson.