- Joined
- Apr 12, 2012
- Messages
- 579
In an hobby lathe I think that the thinnest is best.
(later note: I'm not wanting this to be aimed at cascao as I degress from the topic)
That is a very good thought but sometimes not exactly best. The thin blades work very well indeed in the hobby lathes that the chuck bolts on or is keyed so you can flip the tool upside down and turn the lathe backwards so gravity clears the swarf and coolant. Going a bit thicker is better for a lathe with a threaded spindle since that geometry (upside down and backwards) could loosen the chuck unless it locks.
Parting is all about the swarf. If the swarf isn't clearing then the parting will be more exciting than is optimal before the pieces separate. We don't need that. If you are running a part and the swarf changes be ready to stop.
The wonderful thing about hobby machining is we work with what we have and still get great results, no matter. I modded an old lantern post CO holder by welding a piece of 1/2" HS to it and used it to good results for a while. I still use it to part AL faster than the horizontal bandsaw can cut it.
Steve