What size HSS toolbits do you have in your AXA tool holder?

PurpLev

PurpLev

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Curiosity strikes and I figured I might as well see what others think.

I am always in the perception that bigger is better. and while the AXA tool holder can hold up to 1/2" tool bits I figured those will be the most rigid = smoother cuts. so I got some 1/2" bits.

I also had some 3/8 (or maybe it's 5/16") cutters previously that I was using, and then I got some 1/4" bits for use in the boring bars and flycutter and tangential holder I made.

I am not sure if I find any major difference in the quality of the cuts I'm making on my 10" clausing lathe and was wondering - should I just adapt to a common size cutter that would work for everything (say, 1/4" cutter will fit in boring bars, and can be used in the AXA - although it would be on the smaller side of things), or pick and choose and use the largest I can fit in the tool holder (1/2") and the 'right' size for boring bars (1/4") etc?

what do you guys do?
 
my drawer of tool bits have tiny to huge and i use whatever seems to fit the project. . . ive even got some 3/4" with carbide tips and have milled the shanks to fit. . . seems to work for me . . . but im a rank amature.
 
I have a fairly good collection of sizes aswell. What ever fits the job at hand. Its hard to have one size that fits all. I use two different tool posts too. The AXA for the smaller stuff up to 1/2 inch, and the CXA I use for tooling from 1/2 to 3/4. I swap back and forth, depending on the job at hand. I favor the biggest tooling the job will allow.
 
I use primarily 3/8" bits in mine. It takes a lot more time to grind a 1/2" tool bit than a 3/8" and since there is normally very little tool overhang with a tool post, the added rigidity would be negligible. Also, a 3/8" tool bit is a lot easier to get into tight places, like bores.

Tom
 
For boring bars, I try to use the largest bar that will fit in. The larger OD bars should be more ridged and flex less. The big bars for big work, small for smaller work.
 
8ntsane said:
For boring bars, I try to use the largest bar that will fit in. The larger OD bars should be more ridged and flex less. The big bars for big work, small for smaller work.
Click to expand...

TomG said:
I use primarily 3/8" bits in mine. It takes a lot more time to grind a 1/2" tool bit than a 3/8" and since there is normally very little tool overhang with a tool post, the added rigidity would be negligible. Also, a 3/8" tool bit is a lot easier to get into tight places, like bores.

Tom
Click to expand...

good points!
 
I also vote for as what fits the job. I know i wrote this before but for those just tuning in, what we do
on any HSS blank is to mark it out with a sharpie or something and put it in good ole bench vice and
use a air grinder with a cut off wheel. You will have much more control and precision and your fingers
dont get hot. Then off to finish in the real grinder. Other words, if you do a lot of this >cut off wheels
are around a buck v/s grinding wheels. We have four grinders the best is a US tool electric from the
1930s thats the :hands off: dedicated only for HSS tool grinding. I just think its way harder to move
the work (blank) to the grinder and much easier to grind the work being vised (fixed). samuel
 
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