Parting off

[Alistair Hosie]

I had a piece about 2 inches in dia of mild steel to part off my lecturer friend at our little retired engineers club suggested nervously that I have it cut off on the bandsaw.I said I would part it off he said ok but be careful I know I am no smartass on engineering but I don't have trouble with parting off.Perhaps it's because I have done a lot on the woodlathe which in my opinion is more nerve wracking but I dont understand the great anxiety.I have always found it easy enough.what about you guys ?Alistair

[Nutter]

Parting off usually works out OK for me, but I have managed to get the tool too low once or twice, which resulted in the parting tool being sucked under the work, Usually the work broke off because it was real thin at that point. No major crashes, but it's taught me to be careful about setting the height on the parting tool accurately.

[JCHannum]

A rigid mount, a sharp tool set properly, some cutting oil and an aggressive feed are all that is needed.

Sometimes, when making a deep cut, it helps to retract the tool and move a blade width to one side when about half way through. Widen the slot and then return to the original location or halfway between.

Widening the slot will aide in chip removal, and allow clearance if there is minor misalignment of the cutoff tool.

[C - ROSS]

Everything that JCH said.

When my only working lathe was an Atlas 10X24 I found that parting was a real PITA. Now with a more rigid lathe it is much easier. Just stay as close to the headstock an you can.

Ross

[Evan]

There is a reason why the old saying exists: "Parting off is such sweet sorrow".

[aboard_epsilon]

No secrets Alistair
Get yourself a Kennametal-Hertel parting off tool holder with inserts
from J&L Industrial.

They sometimes do a special deal, ten inserts and the tool at a
discounted price.


I tried their a cheapo from J & L first , had to send it back because
the thing kept flicking its inserts out then, split open on me.


So insist on Hertel.


The holder for the tool was quite expensive so I made my own .


Shown here next to a fixed steady adaptor I made.





...never a problem .


after that .


after over 100 parting offs ...I've just changed the insert for the
first time.


I do squirt coolant onto it as I'm the parting off though.


ALL THE BEST.......MARK

[Todd Tolhurst]

There is a reason why the old saying exists: "Parting off is such sweet sorrow".

"Parting is all we know of Heaven, and all we need of Hell".

[aboard_epsilon]

The tight fisted scots man doesnt want to part with anything ...that's why he's having trouble ..




All the best ...and a merry christmas to all

[Tin Falcon]

if everthing is done right there is no reason things should not go smooth . Parting can surpisise you and things gab and do funny things. I worked with a guy in a machine shop that would not part a piece that big he would part it about 2/3 to 3/4 the way throught then cut it with a hack saw.He was a machinist with 25 years experience.
Tin

[Alistair Hosie]

Tight fisted Scotsman what do you mean Mark His LUdship is Not scottish ooooops sorry Mi Lud thanks guys Mark that tool looks good I have such a holder need tips though .I always cut wider than I need then I don't have problems.Alistair