3/8th indext lathe tooling

As I asked a question on HSS tooling, I am wondering if the 3/8th index lathe tooling I brought when I got my lathe 2 years ago is just crap. I have just installed a QCTP and made the parts so it would fit, all is nice and tight with no play. The steel I used to make the threaded clamp was cut using HSS tooling and a fair finish was archived. With the now installed QCTP I cut the same steel with the index tooling and It is just rubbish, the same results I had when I brought the machine, thinking that slight play in the top slide was the problem, but was not. Can any recommendations for index tooling be given, as the type I have are only for the scrap bin.

Can you offer us a bit more detail on the tooling you have which seems to be a problem. Where did you get it, is there anything like a toolbit number code, that sort of thing.

There are many causes of 'rubbish' results, too, so perhaps you could explain a bit more? Was the surface rough, or grooved, was the turning coming off in powder, or long strings, or what - that sort of thing.

Finally, what sort of lathe speed were you using, and was it the same for HSS as for the indexed tooling?

Regards, Tim

Throw caution to the wind - speed it up and increase the depth of cut on a bit of scrap. Then see what happens?

Cheers, Colin

As said increase speed 150%, then try not to use shallow cuts as tips are only able to cut when a substantial depth of cut is applied. Initially use them to remove materiel and then revert to HSS tooling for a fine finish. Tips are made for different types of metal, steel, hard steel and aluminium but the criteria is that the machine has enough power to use them. Smaller lathes do not have the power to use them efficiently hence the poor finish at standard speeds. To reiterate, up the speed and a good D of Cut will give you what you want. Match the tip to the type of materiel and away you go!

Clive

The tools are a set which I got from a UK company, I used 900 rpm on 1inch steel and the finish is a groove like its rubbing more than cutting, as for depth I tried to cut more than a HSS but it sounded dangerous. My eyesight is not as it was and I put one of the tools in without the index in by mistake and it cut great till a load of sparks came flying off. I think they are rubbish as my index boring bar gives me a good finish. But would like to buy a good quality tool if any recommendations please.

Arceuro do a range of Sumitomo inserts and tool holders, much more expensive than the Far East ones but cut very well. I use them and would recommend to anyone.

Michael

Any chance of a photo Alfie? There are many different types of insert and we've no idea what you've got. It makes a difference. Also what sort of lathe do you have? That might matter too.

Ta,

Dave

how have you set the tool height? If you did not have a tip in one of them I can't see how you could have set it up accurately?

J