WD, a little late in the response, but I'll add my 2 cents worth,
maybe it's already been covered. I had some trouble initially with
parting, but here's what I did. I double checked the height, making
sure of the centerline, then I made sure that the parting tool was as
sharp as possible. I have found that right out of the package, many
of the cut off blades need sharpening. Check for a good relief angle
on the tip, approx 7 to 11 deg angle. Be careful not to overheat the
tip, as it will anneal and soften the end of it. Use the grind -
dip - grind - dip method,and you should be OK. You mention that
you're using the HF QCTP. I have heard of others having parting
problems with the HF cutoff tools. Maybe you can try some other
blades. You may want to make sure also, that you're parting off as
close to the chuck as possible, and that the saddle is locked to the
ways tightly. This will insure that all of the forces are applied to
the parting tool. You may wish to play with the centerline issue
slightly, with some scrap to get the feel of it. Especially on the
softer material (i.e. Aluminium, brass) you shouldn't be having this
problem...
Ed
--- In 7x12minilathe@..., "wdannhardt <wdannhardt@y...>"
<wdannhardt@y...> wrote:
I recently purchased a 7 x 12 mini lathe, and so far it has been
wonderful, I am very satisfied. I purchased a quick change tool
holder from HF, and with a modification to the compound, now have
easy tool height adjustment. The only tool I have problems with is
the cut off tool.
I am using a .062" x .5" HSS tool, cutting brass and Aluminum. I
always seem to get terrible chatter. I made sure the saddle, cross
slide and compound are very tight to the ways, but it still
happens.
Does anyone have any suggestions to make this better? I've not
heard
of anyone else complain about this, so I think it must be something
I
am doing.
Thanks for your help,
WD
