Boring bars with inserts...??

[darkzero]

For Carmex, this is the smallest internal threading bar that will accept AG60 or G60 inserts (16IR size).

Carmex Precision Tools, LLC. - SIR0500M16

I know this cause I actually just ordered one (not directly from Carmex though). The Carmex internal bar I've been using is a 1/2" shank that uses 11IR inserts which are not available in AG60 (8-48 TPI) or G60 (8-14 TPI). A60 inserts can only cut 16 TPI & finer. That bar has covered most of my needs. I rarely have a need to thread coarser & when I do I have to use a tap.

The bar above is 5/8" dia shank, 1/2" between the flats. I wish there was a smaller size indexable internal bar, like 1/2" dia, that could thread coarser than 16 TPI but I never found one. Not sure if there other styles, I only looked for laydown insert types. Due to the size of 16IR insert it's not possible to make a bar that small. Really I wish 11IR inserts could thread coarser but again not possible due to the size of the insert.

That bar doesn't seem to be commonly sold everywhere that carries Carmex. MSC & Travers don't carry them, smallest bars they carry that takes 16IR inserts is 3/4" shank.

Also SIR 0500 M16 is an industry standard designation so you'll find the same bar made by other popular name brand manufacturers.

Also if looking for that particular Carmex bar, beware of Latheinserts.com if it comes up in your search. They carry that size bar & their page title says Carmex but the page details does not mention anything about being Carmex & the price is too cheap. I know they used to sell Carmex but they sell import tooling too now. I emailed them asking what brand they were selling & never got a reply so I went elsewhere.

 

[darkzero]

SIR 0013 M16

That one is roughly the same as the one I bought except that it's a metric bar. Not that it matters much as it accepts the same size insert. But here in the US metric sized bars cost more & not very many places carry them, well for the quality name brands anyway.

 

[mattthemuppet2]

I have an Atlas 618 and I use SCLCR bars for boring with CCMT (steel) or CCGT (alu, plastic etc) inserts. No point going below 8mm on the bar size, they're just too whippy and the inserts are too big. I bought an 8mm and a 12mm solid carbide SCLCR bar a while back and they're awesome. I'll get a 10mm when I have some spare change.

For threading I have a 11IR (3/8 diameter?) and a 16IR (5/8 diameter) bar, plus a solid carbide bar for small holes that I've not yet used.

that covers pretty much everything I need. I have only busted a couple of CCMT inserts, but I go through CCGT inserts somewhat regularly (maybe 20 over the last 4 or 5 years?) as they're quite a bit more fragile.