Contouring Shapes In Lathe (and Mill)

[randyc]

This is a duplicate post - a response to another thread but I thought it might be of interest to the folks that read this particular forum often.

I occasionally use carbide router bits as form tools. There are many, many shapes to choose from and they are cheap compared to the time expended to grind a form tool from a 1/2 inch HSS, as an example (if time is of importance).

Easy enough to make a temporary holder for router tools that works in a 4-way or a QC tool holder. As with any form tool, the lathe should be run very slowly using lots of cutting oil. In the mill, the opposite applies - run the tool at a fairly high RPM (but with very slow feed) occasionally brushing a little oil on the cutter.







Router cutter in a vertical mill to produce a special contour - high RPM, slow feed is required.

 

[randyc]

PS: The steel workpiece shown in the first couple of photos is a back gear lever handle . It can be seen (way back to the rear of the left end of the headstock) in this photo of a 1944 Sheldon EXL-56B.

 

[Andre]

I knew they could be used on metal but I never realized how versatile they could be. Thank you for posting! Maybe even make this a sticky?

Sadly though you can't get any back rake without messing up the form..

 

[f350ca]

Hope its all right to chime in.
Using a rounding over bit to profile a stack of aluminum sheets.


Greg

 

[randyc]

Thanks for the contribution, Greg, that's a very good idea !

 

[oldboy1950]

this is a great idea !
i have been using router bits in my woodworking routers and shaper for over 40 years and have just recently got into machining.
now the possibilities are endless.
Dan

 

[barnett]

Thats an interesting way to use an router bit !!! I would have never thought about that.

 

[dualquad]

I never thought of that either, thanks for the good idea!

 

[lpeedin]

I have had this thought almost every time I walk by the router bits. I see that many of them are made from carbide or HSS. Now I will definitely have to get some. Particularly interested in the corner rounding bits. Thanks for the write up and pics.

 

[savarin]

I've been using the curve on a roman ogee bit to round the ends of small brass screws.
Works excellently.
I cant wait to try it on some aluminium plate edges.