- Joined
- Dec 20, 2012
- Messages
- 9,422
Came out well, Tony. Its a totally different experience grinding on a belt sander vs a bench grinder.
May I suggest you buy your boring bar instead of grinding one from your tool blank? If you don't do a lot of boring then I suggest you buy a solid carbide bar from Micro 100. They can be found on ebay if you're lucky or on Amazon. I don't feel that it is worth the time and effort to grind boring bars from square bits because your bore depth capacity is only about 4 times the smallest diameter of the bar; a solid carbide bar will go twice the depth easily.
When you grind your threading tool, be very, very fussy about the 60 degree angle. It has to be precise. I assume you have a fishtail gauge, right? If so, confirm the angles under magnification and don't forget to put a tiny flat at the tip to prevent it from cracking off. Hone it until it is razor sharp and it will cut threads way better than an inserted carbide tool will.
Keep at it. You're off to a very good start!
May I suggest you buy your boring bar instead of grinding one from your tool blank? If you don't do a lot of boring then I suggest you buy a solid carbide bar from Micro 100. They can be found on ebay if you're lucky or on Amazon. I don't feel that it is worth the time and effort to grind boring bars from square bits because your bore depth capacity is only about 4 times the smallest diameter of the bar; a solid carbide bar will go twice the depth easily.
When you grind your threading tool, be very, very fussy about the 60 degree angle. It has to be precise. I assume you have a fishtail gauge, right? If so, confirm the angles under magnification and don't forget to put a tiny flat at the tip to prevent it from cracking off. Hone it until it is razor sharp and it will cut threads way better than an inserted carbide tool will.
Keep at it. You're off to a very good start!