looking for indexable carbide insert tool holders for turning.

[elginrunner]

I've looked at a bit of import stuff at shar's and tools for cheap, and grizzly. they all seem to be about the same type, and or quality. I have a threading tool from Arthur Warner co. And it seems to be a nice quality product. However they offer so many "kits" I'm having a hard time deciding what exactly I need.

I have a Griz 4003 lathe, with a BXA tool holder. I typically turn 8620, 4140, and stainless steels with a smattering of aluminum.....

Anyone care to make a suggestion? or offer comments on the kits they have bought?

[dp]

Last I looked Glacern was having a holiday sale on their products. Worth a look - they have some nice tool holders. I've always made my own, though.

[Doozer]

Buy the 80deg diamond shape one.
You can turn and face with it, one setup.
It's my favorite anyhow.
CCMT if I remember right???
--Doozer

[JoeFin]

I have much better luck just making my own

I look for a good deal on a quantity of the right geometry insert I need and then build the holder to the insert. That way there are no surprises when it finally arrives in the mail

[macona]

I love the DPMT style inserts, I use the 1/4' IC insets on both my lathe for OD and ID turning. They are great. The let me get into narrow spaces with ease.

[sawlog]

I've looked at a bit of import stuff at shar's and tools for cheap, and grizzly. they all seem to be about the same type, and or quality. I have a threading tool from Arthur Warner co. And it seems to be a nice quality product. However they offer so many "kits" I'm having a hard time deciding what exactly I need.

I have a Griz 4003 lathe, with a BXA tool holder. I typically turn 8620, 4140, and stainless steels with a smattering of aluminum.....

Anyone care to make a suggestion? or offer comments on the kits they have bought?

I have several differnt insert tool holders. I am the fan of the indexable toolholders. I have the smaller lathe at home that uses the 1/2 shank tools. The tool holders that take the CCMT 32 series insert works well, but I have a larger holder milled down that takes the larger CNMG 432 type that I use for most of my turning needs. You can pick up these inserts reasonable on e-bay and they have more corners than the smaller ones like you mentioned.. One thing is wen you are workng around a live center you have some interference problems with either turning tool if you are working with 1/2 or smaller OD's. I wold just buy the holders you need instead of the kits because you will use the right hand tool most of the time and if you get te holder that you can turn and face with it not only saves toolholders but quick change blocks also.

[elginrunner]

Thanks for the opinions gentlemen, it was appreciated.

[Chester]

More info on a DIY version here:

http://www.thegaragegazette.com/index.php?topic=78.0

[PixMan]

If you don't want 'surprises in the mail' and aren't up to making your own, simply buy quality brand name tools. First quality only hurts once, and doesn't even have to if you look carefully on eBay or other sources.

I have Valenite and Kennametal holders that I bought slightly used, some Walter holders I bought new. Your lathe is 2HP, so I suggest (as others have) that you stick with screwdown positive inserts such as CCMT/CCGT and DCMT/DCGT. The 32.5x size is the more common and right for your size machine. You can get a good starter kit from LatheInserts.com, just know what size shank you want.

[dian]

that looks nice, but $7 for an insert with two cutting edges?

[sawlog]

If you don't want 'surprises in the mail' and aren't up to making your own, simply buy quality brand name tools. First quality only hurts once, and doesn't even have to if you look carefully on eBay or other sources.

I have Valenite and Kennametal holders that I bought slightly used, some Walter holders I bought new. Your lathe is 2HP, so I suggest (as others have) that you stick with screwdown positive inserts such as CCMT/CCGT and DCMT/DCGT. The 32.5x size is the more common and right for your size machine. You can get a good starter kit from LatheInserts.com, just know what size shank you want.

I second the comment, but I pefer to deal with Shars instead of LatheInserts.com.. I just did not like te ordering process they have.. If you dont want to or do not have axcess to a mill to mill down a 1 inch shank tool like I did. If you do and E-ay serach you can get the same tool holders as cheaply or cheeper than ordreing from a vendor.. I just do not like to pay 12 bucks for a UPS shipment when most tools can be mailed USPS flat rate and get to me as fast for 1/2 the cost..

Inserts are more important to buy brands and grades you trust. I am able to reference grades that we use at work so when I do an E-bay search it helps. I am pasting a insert of the size we are tolking about is a good fit for the OP's use.. We use this grade at work and have good results running 8620 steels..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CCMT-32-52-WM-09-T3-08-WM-4215-SANDVIK-10-INSERTS-FACTORY-PACK

I know they are expensive but 10 of these inserts for a HSM will last several years. Unless you are planing to do alot of turning.. There are some less expensive insert out there and there are some Kennametal ones that are less expensive but I am not shure of the grade.. I am more familar with the older grades of them.. I have some of these CCMT 32.52s in a a KC 850 grade I am happy with, but the 9xxx grades I just not sure if that is the new repacement for the old standard KC850..

[PixMan]

You get what you pay for.

I have bought just an R8 shell mill adapter from Shars. It had so much runout that I returned it (lots of questions from them), and I'll not spend another dime with them and their cheap.....nevermind.

[sawlog]

I agree.. But milling cutters and lathe tooing are two different animals.. On a related item I was looking for an insert milling cutter for my mill, One of our vendors is sending me and import (China made) that he has had as good reports as the Japan made cutters he also sells. $ 100 vs $300. He told me to try it out before I paid for it.. That is the drawback to ordrering on line or using E-bay.. You need to know what you are doing.. Sometimes it just pays to deal with a vendor you trust.

[trackfodder]

My carbide insert tools are from Wholesale Tool and seem to hold up under my use. The fixing screws do tend to come loose occasionally but I could probably use some Loctite or likesuch to hold them, maybe sodium silicate if the heat was too much for Loctite.

[PixMan]

My carbide insert tools are from Wholesale Tool and seem to hold up under my use. The fixing screws do tend to come loose occasionally but I could probably use some Loctite or likesuch to hold them, maybe sodium silicate if the heat was too much for Loctite.

What kind of screws are you using? I'm using brand name quality holders and matching screws so am not having that problem.

If one is made your own holders it behooves you to know with is the correct type of screw for the insert's counterbore and get some. Of course it's best to do this research ahead of making holders so you have the correct thread in the holder. The screws for positive rake inserts tend to be fine thread and 60؛ to 70؛ included angle heads. I've seen the photos of the flat head slotted screws holding inserts in homemade holders and just know those inserts are moving around. This kills carbide.