Any smal lalhe owners using indexable tooling ?

O

oldgascar

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I am looking for advise from anyone with a 12 x 24 lathe or similar size lathe who use indexable tooling. I want to get reconmendations from those using them before I make a purchase .

Thanks
 
I had a 7x14 minilathe before I upgraded to a Monarch 10EE (12.5in swing). The on the minilathe I mostly used HSS, but I did have a set of 0.25 IC insert tools that I used occasionally. For the 7x14 I found that taking light passes at high speeds worked best. Most of those tools were the diamond type. Brand was TMX. On the Monarch I have a Secco trigonal holder. Much beefier. I haven't put many miles on it yet, but it worked well on my trial cuts in steel. Carbide is one of those subjects that just seems to get deeper the more you dig. I would recommend picking out holder based on a general shape/size of insert, and then you can try a variety of inserts to get what you need. The most common types (hence the cheapest inserts) seem to be the T. C, and W types (triangular, 80deg diamond, and trigonal). I would also recommend getting a holder that takes neutral inserts. These tend to give you twice the number of edges as inserts with relief built in. That's my 2c in any case.
 
Its VERY rare that i ever have to cut steel. I mostly use Aluminium and Brass.

I consider the cliche "time is money". I dont get much time to tinker in the garage so when im in there I'd prefere to be working on the job, not the bits i need to do the job.

I swear by indexable tools for both my mini and bench lathes. look around and the inserts can be found at very cheap prices. I hate the "throw away society" we have become but this is one that i dont mind letting slip.
 
Check out Arthur R. Warner Co. They specialize in HSS cutters. I don't have any myself and have never used any, but this company comes highly recommended from what I have read.:))
 
HSS is the way to go on a small lathe. I own some of the AR Warner HSS inserts and they work great! Another plus is I can sharpen/ hone them easily.
Chrispy
 
It depends on the tool post that you are using, the drive of the machine, and how powerful the machine is. A 12 inch swing lathe's capabilities can very wildly. If you are using a rocker style tool post and just starting out. HSS would be the way to go. That's the type of tooling that rocker or lantern posts were designed for. Some people are very good at rocker tool posts and have no problems using carbide tools. I'm too impatint. I use indexable carbide with all of my machines. Indexable carbide, or carbide tools in general, require more rigidity and produce more tool pressure to function properly. They need more force to break the chip. If you have a belt drive machine, you MAY run into trouble with belt slippage. I have a Rockwell that is a belt drive and she handles indexable tools quite well, as long as I don't get greedy and push the cut. Some members in this forum have ways to get around these problems, and may speak up later. My other machine (Harrison) is a gear driven machine that has a 5 horsepower motor. That is also a 12 in. swing machine. I use a QCTP (quick change tool post) and run the heck out of her. I use a Secco trigon style tool, and a Secco straight triangle style tool for finishing. Both are right handed tools so I can face and turn with the same tool. Do a bit a reading if you decide to go with indexable carbide. Different coatings and grades of carbide are used for different types of materal. They do have general purpose inserts that perform well on different materals, but if you get into stainless or titainum, the general purpose inserts will fall flat fast.
 
I've got a Heavy 10L and am seriously considering AR Warner's turning kit#5 that utilizes HSS indexable inserts. I've read nothing but good reviews on their stuff and though I'm good at knife and chisel sharpening I'm not fond of grinding my own toolbits. :))
 
I'm a newbie, so I bought a set of 5/16 shank tools which use triangular insert. I expect it is me but I don't get a very good finish with these tools and the corners seem to get damaged very easily. I tried to grind a HSS. tool bit ( took ages) and didn't do a very good job but the finish on turning seemed better then with the inserts.
Perhaps things will improve as I get more experience. Does anyone else find this is the case. John.
 
You can use carbide inserts but it tends to get expensive on a small, underpowered lathe. If you take too deep of a cut and you stall your chuck, the insert will chip. I turn mostly steel and only use carbide on my Southbend and not on my Smithy. If I have a lot of metal to remove, I will turn it in back gear on the Southbend, then turn a finish cut in high speed, still using carbide. Makes for a real smooth finish. So, on the Smithy, HSS only and on the SBL carbide mostly.

Patrick
 
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