- Joined
- Jun 4, 2019
- Messages
- 91
I should write up my tool height gauge when I have some time. It is simple and very nearly foolproof because it has no moving parts. When I have time.
Please do. I still don't quite follow your description.
I got my P1 parting tool and it's more bad news than good news but mostly the tool holder problems.
First of all, it bottomed out about .010" above or below center, depending on how it was used. The fix was easy, I just milled about .050" off the top surface and it was good to go.
Second problem was that when I tightened the screws that clamp it in, the tool would shift, sort of a tilt. Obviously the bottom of the holder was not square with the side so, back to the mill to square that up.
The QCTH is that $30 aluminum job and it's other quirk is that the dovetails are as cast with no machining and are very sloppy. With a shim on one side, it locks pretty well so I give it a pass at this point.
I spent a good deal of time with a 1.5" aluminum bar cutting fender washers and finally got it to work well enough in the upside down mode but it was pretty tedious feeding it. I really miss my old lathe with power cross feed.
Next, I tried a 5/8" mild steel bar and it was pretty hopeless at any speed.
I am thinking that 3/32" is just beyond this little machine so I am going to order a P1 tomorrow and hope that's the problem.
What I really do not understand is just what is vibrating when it chatters. It's as close to the chuck as I can get it and the tool extends no more than half way into the part.
js