Cutting Hardened Steel

[MattM]

I have a job that requires cutting a 1/16" retainer ring groove in a 1.5" hardened shaft. This is at the end of a $600.00 part so I don't want to screw it up.

What's the best way to do it, or is it even possible?

 

[matthewsx]

Tool post grinder in a lathe.

I did a similar thing with my Dremel tool cut-off wheel held firmly in my compound, though it was a smaller diameter and much less expensive part.

John

 

[Asm109]

How hard?

 

[chips&more]

Sorry, not enough info. Like, just how hard is it? If you just want to play it safe. Then yes, grinding as opposed to tool cutting, would be the choice.

 

[matthewsx]

Here's the piece I did before cutting the retaining ring groove. Chinese ballscrew so fairly hard part.



Tool like this.



John

 

[MattM]

Don't know exactly how hard but a file skates over it and won't make an impression even when pressed hard.

The part is a cluster gear from a tractor transmission. The transmission is (now) designed to not require the retainer. To use the new part without the retainer would require the purchase of an additional $2000.00 worth of parts.

The "easy" solution is to cut the retaining ring in a new cluster gear.

 

[matthewsx]

So you could go through three of these and still be under what it would cost otherwise?

Assuming you have the lathe and a dremel you can rig something to your compound and try it out with a test piece. Once you're confident go ahead and do your part.

John

 

[ezduzit]

If you don't have a toolpost grinder, either buy one or take the job to a machine shop that has one. I found mine on eBay,

 

[Cadillac]

I would try putting jaw covers on your chuck to not scratch or marr your 600 dollar lead-screw. I’d use a reinforced cut off wheel or a carbide parting tool.

 

[RJSakowski]

I would use a parting tool with a carbide insert. My insert would cut a .080" groove. If you use a grinding wheel, make sure that the load bearing side of the groove is not beveled.