Noob tooling advise.

[Technical Ted]

I'm just offering a general suggestion. I built up, in just a few years, from a cigar box not even full of cutter, etc. to more end mills, cutters, and you name it than I could ever use in a lifetime by watching Craig's List and some on Facebook MarketPlace and buying up package deals of tooling.

I'm talking good, high quality, USA tooling that is far better than any import stuff I've seen. Ebay is a source, but the prices are a lot higher than I've ever paid.

Ted

 

[xr650rRider]

Understood, Chinese cutting tools from any source = junk.

I wouldn't say that. I use a lot of Chinese carbide tools and they cut just fine for me.

 

[markba633csi]

Buy tools as you need them, that's what I do. You would be surprised how little you really need, for hobby use anyhow
-Mark

 

[axa88]

I wouldn't say that. I use a lot of Chinese carbide tools and they cut just fine for me.

Understood, Chinese cutting tools not necessarily= junk.

 

[davidpbest]

looks like you've been around and heard this one a 1000 times.

Indeed I have. Lots of people ask about this. Hope it helps.

 

[axa88]

Perhaps the attached will help. I own and highly recommend all the tooling listed.

Deja-vu!

Noob tooling advise.

So ive got a new lathe and mill coming end of the year. And while lathes aren't new to me, the mill is. What i found learning to use my lathe is that a lot of the worry i had about junk tools i or precision never came to fruition, while some headache from junk tools haunted me forever. So now...

www.hobby-machinist.com

 

[davidpbest]

Deja-vu!

I updated the tool list in my prior post.

 

[axa88]

I updated the tool list in my prior post.

Oh good stuff.

So might i ask why might it seem you prefer the thin parallels as opposed to the thick, Im having trouble getting my head around where such thin parallels would be more useful.

And it seems like a lot of parallels...

 

[Just for fun]

Hey axa88, Welcome to the rabbit hole! I have a tool box that is getting more and more machining tools and measuring tools in it and I don't even have a mill or a lathe yet. There both on order! My guess is, they are both in Taiwan, or maybe not even made yet.

Tim

 

[davidpbest]

Oh good stuff.

So might i ask why might it seem you prefer the thin parallels as opposed to the thick, Im having trouble getting my head around where such thin parallels would be more useful.

And it seems like a lot of parallels...

The 1/8” thick parallels are my most frequently-used versions. However, if you need to drill/tap close to the edge of a part, where that edge is against the vise jaw, the 1/32” thick versions are very helpful providing clearance under the part for the drill path. I often find situations where drilling into the part close to an edge would mean drilling into the top of a 1/8” thick parallel, but switching to the thinner variety provides the necessary clearance.

Here’s a helpful tip. I’ve tried several methods to keep parallels tight against the vise jaws so they stay put when changing parts and swarf doesn’t get behind or under the parallels (throwing off their alignment registration). Rubber bands are not durable enough, get sliced by the sharp edges of the parallels and can melt by hot chips. Mechanical restraints that are placed between the parallels and push against the parallels are often cumbersome to employ for various reasons. The best solution I have found is to use hair control ties like the ones shown at the following link - strap the parallels to the fixed and movable jaw of the vise. These provide long term wear and are simple to use. To provide quick access, I hang them on the forward/reverse lever of the X-axis power feeder.

Amazon.com

Hope this helps.