Source for U.S.-Made Lathe Cutters Needed

[OldCarbDoctor]

Hello, Jeff Dreibus (owner of The Old Carb Doctor) here.

I have a Grizzly G8688 mini-lathe which I bought second-hand and have used for a few years to turn-down a particular type of brass carburetor needle. I now need some new C6 AR6 cutters (see photo). The cutters bearing this number (which came with it) seem to work pretty well, though I am always open to suggestions. They also read "Made in China", but I would prefer a source for U.S.-made cutters if possible (and yes, I know that the machine itself came from China).

As you have probably surmised by now, I am not really a machinist. My other "machine tools" consist of a belt sander, a hand-held drill and a Dremel. So: looking at the photo, please let me know if I do not have the cutter installed properly; that is how the lathe came to me with the cutter installed. All helpful tips are appreciated.

Thank you.

Jeff

 

[T Bredehoft]

I H M O the flat of the carbide should be horizontal. It appears to be vertical. It should then be installed 90º clockwise from where it is.

 

[OldCarbDoctor]

Thanks, T. Bredehoft. That would seem to suggest that I need to change the height of the bed. I have never used that adjustment on my lathe. Can you show me where to find it?

And I like your Studebaker!

Jeff

 

[mmcmdl]

Yes , turn the tool 90 degrees and then shim it up to centerline . That's known as a 4 way post and has no adjustment thus the need to shim the tool to centerline . What size are the cutters ? Maybe 1/4" or 3/8" ?

 

[benmychree]

Not to put a fine point on it, but carbide tools have no advantage on a job like this, HSS is what should be used; learn how to grind HSS tools in about the same configuretions as are used with the carbide tools

 

[Forty Niner]

Micro100 for the brazed carbide cutting tools if you want high quality US made.

 

[OldCarbDoctor]

Yes , turn the tool 90 degrees and then shim it up to centerline . That's known as a 4 way post and has no adjustment thus the need to shim the tool to centerline . What size are the cutters ? Maybe 1/4" or 3/8" ?

The cutter is 3/8" square.

If I turn the cutter 90 degrees, will I then have to use it on the opposite side of the chuck? That seems counter-intuitive and possibly even dangerous. Would it not be simpler to order the new cutters as a left-handers (I am guessing that the "R" in C6 AR6 stand for "right").

Or maybe I misunderstand altogether. Can you please show me a photo or an illustration of how it should be clamped into the post?

Jeff

 

[mmcmdl]

Mount it carbide up on the chuck side of the post . It will turn and face same set-up . LH and RH as well as straight tools are available .

 

[brino]

@OldCarbDoctor

As you see above you'll get many suggestions and opinions here.
And yes, some will contradict others.

I have been trying to find a picture of the way that tool would normally be used.... but so far have not found a clear one, but will post back if I do.

I just stopped in to say: Welcome to the group!

Brian

 

[sdelivery]

Can you imagine how happy he will be when he turns that tool over and uses the cutting edge?